Latest news with #AndrewNelson
Mint
16-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Drones, AI and robot pickers: Meet the fully autonomous farm
In the verdant hills of Washington state's Palouse region, Andrew Nelson's tractor hums through the wheat fields on his 7,500-acre farm. Inside the cab, he's not gripping the steering wheel—he's on a Zoom call or checking messages. A software engineer and fifth-generation farmer, Nelson, 41, is at the vanguard of a transformation that is changing the way we grow and harvest our food. The tractor isn't only driving itself; its array of sensors, cameras, and analytic software is also constantly deciding where and when to spray fertilizer or whack weeds. Many modern farms already use GPS-guided tractors and digital technology such as farm-management software systems. Now, advances in artificial intelligence mean that the next step—the autonomous farm, with only minimal human tending—is finally coming into focus. Imagine a farm where fleets of autonomous tractors, drones and harvesters are guided by AI that tweaks operations minute by minute based on soil and weather data. Sensors would track plant health across thousands of acres, triggering precise sprays or irrigation exactly where needed. Farmers could swap long hours in the cab for monitoring dashboards and making high-level decisions. Every seed, drop of water and ounce of fertilizer would be optimized to boost yields and protect the land—driven by a connected system that gets smarter with each season. Andrew Nelson, who has tested agriculture technology for Microsoft as a consultant, launches a drone to take multispectral images of a field to document drainage and the amount of weeds. Much of the technology to power an autonomous revolution in agriculture already exists or is nearly ready for market launch. 'We're just getting to a turning point in the commercial viability of a lot of these technologies," says David Fiocco, a senior partner at McKinsey & Co. who leads research on agricultural innovation. A McKinsey survey in 2022 found that around two-thirds of American farms use digital systems to manage their farm operations, but only 15% of large farms and just 4% of smaller ones have yet invested significantly in robotics or automation. Fiocco expects the use of robots to rise dramatically in the coming years. Despite the promise of digital tools and autonomous machines, cost is a big barrier. Connectivity is another hurdle. Robots need to talk to each other. Moving data to a cloud requires broadband internet, and from a remote field that likely needs to be wireless. But wireless internet and land-based broadband aren't available everywhere in rural America. In developing countries, the digital gap is even wider. Some farmers are experimenting with edge computing, a networking design that stores data closer to where it originates. But experts say ultimately farms need to be connected to cloud-based systems. Here's a look at some of the essential components in the vision of the autonomous farm. Autonomous tractors Tractors that can plant, till and harvest with little, or only remote, human supervision are moving from prototype to practice. Traditional manufacturers and tech startups are placing big bets. Monarch Tractor, a Livermore, Calif., firm, has rolled out an all-electric, 'driver-optional" tractor now working vineyards. Its MK-V model can run up to 14 hours on a charge and be ready to roll again after six hours plugged in. Farmwise, another California company, has developed an AI-guided mechanical weeder and tiller that uses computer vision and robotics to identify and pluck weeds, running day or night, reducing the need for herbicides. In April, salad giant Taylor Farms acquired Farmwise, citing the technology's promise to cut labor costs and support more sustainable farming. Deere & Co. is taking an incremental approach, adding layers of automation to help farmers become comfortable with the technology—and see immediate payoffs—while paving the way toward full autonomy. Some of Deere's large sprayers use 'See & Spray" technology that incorporates computer vision and machine learning to target weeds in soybean, corn and cotton crops. Trained on thousands of images to identify weeds in real time and command individual nozzles to spray only where needed, it reduces herbicide use by up to two-thirds, the company says. Thirty-six cameras mounted on a sprayer boom scan fields at 2,100 square feet per second—far beyond what the human eye can manage. Using data and AI to analyze individual plants could eventually become a mainstream practice in farming. A 5,000-acre farm can contain around 750 million plants, and the challenge is giving each one its share of tender loving care. 'Sensing technology paired with models, paired with automation and eventually autonomy where it makes sense—there's a lot of opportunity there," says Sarah Schinckel, director of emerging technologies at the Moline, Ill.-based company. Fruit-picking robots and drones Automation, now most often used on large farms with wheat or corn laid out in neat rows, is a bigger challenge for crops like fruits and berries, which ripen at different times and grow on trees or bushes. Maintaining and harvesting these so-called specialty crops is labor-intensive. 'In specialty crops, the small army of weeders and pickers could soon be replaced by just one or two people overseeing the technology. That may be a decade out, but that's where we're going," says Fiocco of McKinsey. Fragile fruits like strawberries and grapes pose a huge challenge. Tortuga, an agriculture tech startup in Denver, developed a robot to do the job. Tortuga was acquired in March by vertical farming company Oishii. The robot resembles NASA's Mars Rover with fat tires and extended arms. It rolls along a bed of strawberries or grapes and uses a long pincher arm to reach into the vine and snip off a single berry or a bunch of grapes, placing them gingerly into a basket. 'Robotic harvesting can offer greater consistency and efficiency than manual labor, while reducing expenses and addressing the labor shortages affecting the industry as a whole," Brendan Somerville, chief operating officer and co-founder of Oishii said in an email, adding that the company's long-term vision is to fully automate its harvesting operations. Israel-based Tevel Aerobotics Technologies aims to help fruit growers reduce the need for labor with its 'Flying Autonomous Robots" that can prune, thin and harvest crops. Using AI and machine vision, the robots locate the fruit, determine whether it's ripe and then pluck it off the tree. 'Growers who don't adopt robotics won't survive—they simply have no choice," says Tevel Chief Executive and founder Yaniv Maor. Scaling up, however, remains a cost challenge for the company. Remote sensing, image analytics Drones and satellites, guided by artificial intelligence, are turning farms into data-driven operations. By capturing detailed images and sensor readings, they create 'digital twins"—virtual replicas of fields that show exactly where crops are too dry, too wet or under attack by disease or pests. This technology lets farmers spot problems early and target interventions more precisely, cutting waste and boosting yields. While pieces of this system are already in place, the next step is a fully connected network of machines that not only detect issues but learn from them. Ranveer Chandra, a senior Microsoft executive who spearheaded agriculture technology applications, sees a future where tractors and drones work in tandem, performing tasks like planting or spraying while continuously feeding new data into AI models tailored to each farm's conditions. 'There will be more automation, more use of drones, more robotics—it won't be farms without farmers, but AI will significantly amplify the productivity of every grower," Chandra says. 'Every time a drone flies or a tractor plants, it's gathering data that updates the farm's own unique AI model." Soil intelligence The SoilOptix system set up for mapping, with a gamma-radiation spectrometer on the vehicle, a soil-core sampler at left, a computer for data-collection monitoring and RTK GPS tech A crop is only as healthy as its soil. Traditionally, farmers send topsoil samples to a lab to have them analyzed. New technology that uses sensors to scan the soil on-site is enabling a precise diagnosis covering large areas of farms rather than spot checks. The diagnosis includes microbial analysis as well as identifying areas of soil compaction, when the soil becomes dense, hindering water infiltration, root penetration and gas exchange. Knowing this can help a farmer plan where to till and make other decisions about the new season. Canada-based SoilOptix says microbial soil analysis can enable farmers to more accurately determine changing conditions within a field. Rather than spraying or irrigating an entire field, the farmer can pinpoint where to spray, which dose to use, and the best timing for intervention. The virtual fence New technology is also changing livestock management. The creation of virtual fences, which are beginning to be adopted in the U.S., Europe and Australia, has the potential to help ranchers save money on expensive fencing and help them better manage their herds. Livestock are given GPS-enabled collars, and virtual boundaries are drawn on a digital map. If an animal approaches the virtual boundary, it first gets an auditory warning. If it continues, it gets zapped with a mild but firm electric shock. Write to future@
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Innovator Launches 2 Dual Directional ETFs
Two new ETFs are designed to let investors benefit from up and down markets — but will they want to? Innovator ETF's two new dual directional strategies allow investors to benefit from market upturns or downturns so long as their index, the S&P 500, stays within a certain range. Like most buffered products, the funds limit upside yield and buy additional put options under the hood. The products are mainly aimed at highly risk-averse investors, like retirees or pre-retirees, who are more concerned with capital preservation than capital accumulation, according to Innovator's director of product strategy Andrew Nelson. Not all experts are convinced of the product's utility, however, because of its high upside cap. 'The payoff structure works really well when you're in those negative 10% to negative 15% ranges, and that just doesn't happen very often,' said Charles Champagne, head of ETF strategy at AllianzIM. 'So the payoff structure benefit is a little narrow.' READ ALSO: All Sunshine for First Spot Solana ETF and Dimensional Hits $200B in ETF Assets Dual directional strategies have long existed in the insurance and annuities spaces — for example, with registered indexed-linked annuities, or RILAs — but Innovator's products mark their entry into the world of ETFs, according to experts. 'There's no free lunch. It's not magic, it's not voodoo,' Nelson said. 'The cost of this is actually that your 'normal' cap, your standard cap that you know and love, is going to be lower than [that of] a competitor.' The two strategies have slightly different buffer levels and upside caps: The Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF (DDTL) has a 10% inverse cap and buffer level and a 12.59% upside cap. The Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF (DDFL) has a 15% inverse cap and buffer level and a 12.59% upside cap. Product Palooza. The dual directionality funds are the latest introduction of strategies into the ETF world, like autocallables, that have long existed in other spaces. 'As issuers try to find new areas to bring products, they look to insurance products and at the structured notes that are available,' Champagne said. 'It's not surprising that these came to market.' This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive exclusive news and analysis of the rapidly evolving ETF landscape, built for advisors and capital allocators, subscribe to our free ETF Upside newsletter.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GE HealthCare and MIM Software release integrated imaging platform
GE HealthCare has released software combining its own imaging functionalities with tools enabled by a platform developed by MIM Software, to enhance imaging workflows in indications including oncology and cardiology. The integration marks the imaging giant's first combined release with Mim Software's Mim Encore platform since it acquired the company in 2024 for around $290m. Mim Encore is designed to provide features including structured reporting and interpretation tools for PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and multi-modality fusion imaging within a single platform. The platform primarily adds resolution recovery and image-enhancing tools that are tailored for GE HealthCare scanners, Ohio-based Mim Software said. For oncology, the platform in combination with GE HealthCare's systems means that SPECT image processing and analysis can be simplified by the software's ability to perform resolution recovery, attenuation and scatter correction, advanced filtering, and motion correction. Similar functionality through the combination is now possible across cardiology, with Mim's platform also enabling 3D rendering and advanced corrections for GE HealthCare's neurological imaging scanners. Jean-Luc Procaccini, president and CEO for molecular imaging and computed tomography at GE HealthCare commented: 'We are committed to delivering technology that unifies data across systems and organisations, breaking down workflow barriers to help drive better clinical outcomes and elevate the standard of patient care.' According to GE HealthCare, the integration with Mim's platform will allow clinicians and researchers to deliver 'fast, accurate diagnoses, and onboard users quickly' and to realise efficiencies and consistencies in work and communication between clinicians. 'Customers are telling us that this pairing is exactly what users have been looking for. The combined solution enables streamlined, accurate reading of images, supports quantitative analysis out of the box, and helps eliminate manual entries,' said Andrew Nelson, CEO of Mim Software. 'As we continue to evolve our vertically integrated products based on user input, we remain focused on creating a user-friendly, vendor-neutral, future-ready experience designed to scale with advanced molecular imaging needs,' Nelson added. This week at NVIDIA's GTC conference, taking place in Paris, France from 10-12 June, the company announced a new partnership with GE HealthCare that will focus on developing autonomous X-ray technologies and ultrasound applications. "GE HealthCare and MIM Software release integrated imaging platform" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Business Wire
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
GE HealthCare advances precision care with MIM Encore™ to deliver next-generation digital imaging and workflow solutions
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) proudly announces the combination of GE HealthCare's proprietary features and algorithms with MIM Encore, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver precision care through advanced digital solutions. This implementation brings powerful new features to healthcare organizations boasting GE HealthCare systems alongside MIM software with MIM Encore, a cutting-edge, single platform design based on user input to help enhance diagnostic confidence, streamline workflows, and support the future of personalized medicine. 'In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, operational efficiency and seamless collaboration are not just goals — they're the cornerstone to success. That's why we aim to provide tools that can help enhance providers' confidence in decision making and support patients in receiving personalized care,' shares Jean-Luc Procaccini, President & CEO, Molecular Imaging & Computed Tomography, GE HealthCare. 'We are committed to delivering technology that unifies data across systems and organizations, breaking down workflow barriers to help drive better clinical outcomes and elevate the standard of patient care.' New capabilities now available to GE HealthCare, MIM Software customers Now featuring dedicated post-processing tools for GE HealthCare systems, MIM Encore helps deliver excellent image quality with minimal effort, streamlining everyday nuclear medicine and cardiology workflows. Users can expect high image quality with minimal effort, along with automated read preparation, structured reporting, and flexible interpretation tools for PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and multi-modality fusion — all in a single platform. MIM Encore empowers clinicians and researchers to help deliver fast, accurate diagnoses, and onboard users quickly, for efficiencies and consistencies in work and communication between clinicians. 'Customers are telling us that this pairing is exactly what users have been looking for. The combined solution enables streamlined, accurate reading of images, supports quantitative analysis out of the box, and helps eliminate manual entries,' says Andrew Nelson, CEO, MIM Software, a GE HealthCare Company. 'As we continue to evolve our vertically integrated products based on user input, we remain focused on creating a user-friendly, vendor-neutral, future ready experience designed to scale with advanced molecular imaging needs.' With easy adoption across departments and roles — as well as few manual steps — MIM Encore adds resolution recovery and image-enhancing tools tailored for GE HealthCare scanners, streamlining workflows while helping elevate diagnostic confidence across care areas. Oncology: MIM Software's tools, now paired with GE HealthCare systems, simplify SPECT image processing with reconstruction and configurable enhancements, including resolution recovery, attenuation and scatter correction, advanced filtering, and motion correction. As a result, clinicians can view dynamic and static scans, share images easily, and access advanced quantitation tools — helping deliver clear insights with less manual effort. Cardiology: GE HealthCare's cardiac imaging is now even stronger with MIM technology's advanced PET and SPECT tools, enabling fast, high-quality reconstructions and quantitative analysis. Features like motion correction, automated quality checks, and intuitive displays help deliver accurate and efficient cardiac care. With support for key radiotracers and advanced algorithms like Evolution for Cardiac — developed at Johns Hopkins and University of North Carolina — MIM Encore is designed to deliver high-quality images at reduced acquisition times or doses i. Neurology: As a leader in neurodegenerative imaging, GE HealthCare with MIM technology now offers reconstruction workflows with 3D rendering and advanced corrections. As a result, clinicians benefit from consistent, high-quality images and easy-to-use tools for confident diagnosis, and assistance in treatment planning and evaluation. Also new, GE HealthCare's Effortless Workflow seamlessly integrates with MIM Encore, enabling clinicians to manage rising caseloads with intuitive interfaces, customizable displays, and automation that can help bridge experience gaps and reduces burnout. GE HealthCare acquired MIM Software in 2024, bringing together two industry leaders with expertise in multi-modality imaging, quantitation, workflow automation and molecular imaging. For more information on GE HealthCare's molecular imaging portfolio – including MIM Encore – please visit and SNMMI show attendees are also encouraged stop by the company's booth (#638 and #1023) at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana from June 21-24. About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. GE HealthCare is a trusted partner and leading global healthcare solutions provider, innovating medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and integrated, cloud-first AI-enabled solutions, services and data analytics. We aim to make hospitals and health systems more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient's journey across care pathways. Together, our Imaging, Advanced Visualization Solutions, Patient Care Solutions and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from screening and diagnosis to therapy and monitoring. We are a $19.7 billion business with approximately 53,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits. GE HealthCare is proud to be among 2025 Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™.
