Key Takeaways
- SCIO Mini 2 enables rapid, shelling-free corn moisture measurement in the field
- Features include over 1,000 scans per charge, built-in corn ear accessory, and IP53 durability
- Used by industry leaders such as Corteva and Syngenta
- Builds on success of SCIO Mini 1 with improved design and performance
- Supports real-time decision-making for harvest, storage, and field management
SCIO Mini 2 Offers Field-Ready Moisture Testing for US Corn Growers
SCIO, formerly known as Consumer Physics, has launched the SCIO Mini 2, a next-generation handheld device designed to help corn growers and seed producers measure moisture levels quickly and accurately—without the need for shelling or grinding. The device uses near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and provides instant, non-destructive results in the field.
Already adopted by companies such as Syngenta and Corteva, SCIO Mini 2 builds on the widespread use of its predecessor, SCIO Mini 1, which has logged over 13 million scans globally. The new model introduces several upgrades aimed at improving usability, scan capacity, and field durability.
Key Features of the SCIO Mini 2
The SCIO Mini 2 incorporates feedback from field users to enhance performance in agricultural environments. Key enhancements include:
- Integrated corn ear accessory: Eliminates the need for separate attachments, simplifying field workflows.
- High-capacity battery: Supports over 1,000 scans per charge, significantly improving from the previous model’s 250 scans.
- IP53 rating: Offers protection against dust and water spray, suitable for rugged outdoor use.
- Faster performance and improved accuracy: Includes an upgraded light source and internal components for better reliability.
- USB-C charging: Replaces Micro-USB with faster, more convenient connectivity.
- Ergonomic design: Enhances comfort and usability in varied environments.
Bluetooth synchronization connects the device to mobile apps and SCIO’s cloud platform, allowing users to make data-informed decisions related to harvest timing, storage management, and crop quality.
Addressing Efficiency Needs in US Corn Production
With U.S. corn production reaching 15.3 billion bushels in 2023 and contributing $151 billion in total economic activity, tools that improve efficiency and reduce uncertainty are in high demand. SCIO Mini 2 responds to this need by reducing moisture testing time by more than half, according to early adopters.
“For the seed tech manager walking 20-acre plots in August heat, speed matters,” said Damian Goldring, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at SCIO. “SCIO Mini 2 puts precision in the palm of your hand. In seconds, you know whether to harvest or hold.”
SCIO Adoption and Impact
The device is already in use by major seed and crop protection firms. Producers have reported improvements in operational efficiency, from harvest planning to post-harvest storage decisions. SCIO notes that the device is accessible with minimal training, making it practical for widespread on-farm deployment.
“We’re building tools that deliver more than data; they deliver confidence in the field,” added Goldring.
