BORING, Ore. (AP) — Oregon researchers are testing whether drone aircraft can help improve agriculture in the state.
So far, The Oregonian reports the test results from a tiny, remote control helicopter that has been flying over fields at a nursery in the Portland area look promising.
Equipped with a variety of sensors, the drone can help detect disease, look for irrigation or fertilizer problems, gauge plant height and diameter and predict crop yield — or even spot where fences need repair.
The drone helicopter is powered by a battery and can stay aloft from nine to 40 minutes with five pounds of camera gear.
