29 IREC Farmers' Newsletter No. 198 — Spring 2017 Other high-tech developments Technology is rapidly changing and advancing within agriculture, as well as in fields supporting agriculture. Further, developments in other fields one day may also have applications to agriculture. With this in mind, several other technologies under development at Deakin University were presented to participants on the day. These were: l lab-on-a-chip technology l virtual reality l artificial intelligence. Lab-on-a-chip technology Miss Kim Quayle introduced the possibilities and potential applications of lab-on-a-chip technology. Kim is currently studying for her PhD at Deakin University, which involves the development of a lab-on-a-chip device to detect performance-enhancing substances in thoroughbred racehorses, with the intention of conducting track-side analysis. Lab-on-a-chip devices allow multiple tests that previously were only available to be conducted within a laboratory to be performed simply by a user at the time and place of need. Samples, commonly biological, are placed into a micro-fabricated plastic device where they are mixed, extracted and reacted before detection, using a battery operated detection platform. The device can be interfaced with a smart phone or laptop, and typically produces a result in 5–10 minutes. These portable devices are low cost and provide rapid quantitative results, removing any need for lengthy and costly laboratory testing. The time-saving factor of these devices will be important to many industries. If this technology existed fifteen years ago, imagine the hundreds and thousands of livestock and millions of dollars that could have been saved when there were outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in the UK and avian influenza sweeping through poultry farms in Australia. Kim identified a broad range of potential applications for this technology. A few examples of these applications are as follows: bio security, medicinal, DNA testing, infectious disease identification, food quality and environmental monitoring. She believes the lab-on-a-chip technology can have drastic economic impacts and applied solutions in irrigated agriculture. Virtual reality Virtual reality through the use of virtual reality goggles, provides a 360-degree view of particular surroundings and allows us to experience that place without actually being there. The use of virtual reality in combination with haptics technology is transforming training across many industries and professions. Virtual reality haptics technology is being developed for firefighter training and medical training at the Deakin University Virtual Reality Lab. With firefighting training, virtual reality haptics is used to demonstrate how much strength is needed to control firehoses and the stamina needed to fight fires. In the medical area, virtual reality haptics allows the user to ‘feel’ how much pressure to apply when injecting a patient or cutting with a scalpel, all while working in the virtual world. Artificial intelligence Professor Rajesh Vasa from the Deakin University – Software and Technology Innovation Lab highlighted the areas where artificial intelligence can be used in our everyday lives. Artificial intelligence assists us to make great use of information collected from wearables (such as Fitbit), in monitoring anxiety and stress level or predicting epileptic fits. Artificial intelligence, through Sofihub Smart Homes, enables the construction of dementia-friendly homes. Professor Vasa explained that Sofihub is the command centre for a home. It can identify when something unusual happens and will automatically raise an alert. Sofihub can also be linked to Google Calendar to remind people of appointments, or provide prompts such as a ‘hydration reminder’. Deakin University is keen to explore new applications and opportunities for use of all of these technologies within the agricultural industry and would be happy to hear your suggestions. Presentations from the Drone & Technology day can be found on the IREC website. Further information Iva Quarisa T: 02 6963 0936 E: [email protected] Proudly supported by Coleambally Community Bank®Branch Darlington Point agency Jerilderie agency Proudly supported by Hillston & District Community Bank®Branch Hay branch Condobolin agency Lake Cargelligo agency