Bringing together and integrating seemingly separate fields of activity to address the complex challenges of contemporary society is accomplished through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. These methodologies are driven by information technology (IT), facilitating collaboration and innovation across all aspects of life.
In the context of UTM’s upcoming 60th anniversary and the exchange of best practices within the project “Speaker Exchange Program: North Carolina State University – Technical University of Moldova with the participation of other universities,” coordinated by UTM and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Chișinău, a delegation of professors from North Carolina State University visited UTM. During their visit, the Faculty of Agronomy, Forestry, and Environmental Engineering (FȘASM) and the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics (FCIM) organized the “EARTH ROVER: Spring Edition” hackathon, themed “Acquisition and Processing of Images for the Identification of Plants Affected by Diseases and Harmful Insects.”
The hackathon focused on “Robotized Systems Applied in Agriculture,” providing students with the opportunity to explore the intersection between technology and agricultural practices, as well as apply their technical knowledge in the practical context of the agricultural industry.
Viorel BOSTAN, the Rector of UTM, is known for his strong commitment to bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application in real-world settings. Mr. Bostan actively supports interdisciplinary collaboration among students across all faculties, providing them with an ideal environment to develop practical skills and establish professional connections essential for their future careers. Through his encouragement and full dedication to hackathons, UTM offers students valuable opportunities for hands-on experience, teamwork, and the chance to present their innovative ideas to industry experts.
“I am greatly pleased to be at this inaugural event today, as it holds significant importance for us. It is one of our key strategic priorities, the integration of the former State Agrarian University, which today is part of our UTM family. Central to this priority is the imperative to get to know each other, to see the capabilities of each institution, as both have exceptional human resources. We have very well-prepared students, and our aim is to further enhance their preparedness. Through these collaborations we have and will continue to have, we aspire to strengthen both the Engineering School and the School of Agricultural Sciences. The event fits perfectly into this strategy, underscoring the vital role of technology within agricultural sciences. The more adept you become at identifying and implementing technological solutions, the more competitive you will become and the more advantages you will have in succeeding in your careers. Technologies have entered absolutely all areas of human activity, including agriculture, serving as a catalyst for growth and empowering individuals to achieve remarkable success. Conversely, those in IT must understand that their expertise extends beyond technical proficiency alone. While their skills in software and hardware are formidable, true success comes from interdisciplinary knowledge application. Thus, the collaboration between the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics and the Faculty of Agricultural, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences presents a unique opportunity to take advantage of the strengths of each,” declared Rector Bostan in his introductory speech.
Furthermore, the rector encouraged students to keep progressing:
“Dear students, you have an incredible journey ahead of you, one in which technologies will continually evolve what you’ve learned here at the university. We assure you that we will provide you with the necessary experience. I am proud of your accomplishments, your future pursuits, and the presentations you will deliver today. Don’t let this be the end of your journey.”
The participants were warmly welcomed by the deans and the delegation of professors from North Carolina, USA, who were impressed by the students’ performance and the exceptional research results, which surpassed the expectations of those involved in the hackathon.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences, Mr. Sergiu POPA, remarked, “We’ve seen some noteworthy works, and I believe there are elements we can apply to tomato cultivation technologies. Nevertheless, there are nuances that require further attention. I hope this competition will spark the collaborations needed between our faculty and FCIM.”
During the event, the teams managed to integrate knowledge and expertise from seemingly different fields, developing innovative solutions for the agricultural sector. The hackathon commenced on March 21st, gathering 5 enthusiastic teams that worked on a variety of original projects.
– Team nr.1 – AgroInnovate Squad
– Team nr.2 – GreenScreen
– Team nr.3 – White Phosphorus
– Team nr.4 – Force – RM
– Team nr.5 – Tomato Guardians
The efforts were combined through a blend of theory and practice. Demonstrations took place in the tomato plant greenhouse at AgroTek Arena, arranged in parallel rows. The precise navigation between plant rows was facilitated by the Festo Robotino.
Teams acquired, processed, and decoded the visual clues hidden in plant images, identifying their health conditions and detecting anomalies. The health status of each analyzed plant was revealed on the screen.
The tasks assigned to the teams, as outlined in the competition evaluation criteria, were:
– to accurately identify affected plants using the system;
– to compile a comprehensive database of images for thorough analysis;
– to develop an intuitive graphical interface for smooth interaction;
– to consider real-world applications and scalability;
As a result, students were able to brainstorm solutions and suggest ideas to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agriculture, utilizing robotic, automated, and information technologies.
The nominated teams were:
1st Place – AgroInnovate Squad Team
2nd Place – White Phosphorus Team
2nd Place – Force – RM Team
3rd Place – Tomato Guardians Team
Honorable Mention – GreenScreen Team
This interdisciplinary collaboration has highlighted the importance and benefits of merging knowledge and expertise from various domains to find innovative and sustainable solutions for contemporary challenges. Through the “EARTH ROVER: Spring Edition” hackathon, FȘASM and FCIM have exemplified how interdisciplinary methodologies and technological integration can significantly contribute to the advancement of agriculture and environmental sustainability, consequently enhancing economic growth.
The event marks the beginning of a promising start in activities and collaborations within the vast UTM community.
