MJBiz - May/June 2024 - 35

AI Cultivation Startups Blazing a Trail
Despite all the complexities and nuances associated with artificial intelligence, cannabis cultivation and
post-harvest practices are a perfect testing ground for AI-powered technologies designed to reduce
labor costs, improve plant consistency, collect and analyze data while also contributing to a more
sustainable grow.
From easy-to-use diagnostic apps created to prevent pests to robots designed to trim flower,
here are three North American companies pioneering the next frontier of artificial intelligence
in cannabis cultivation:
FARM-HAND.AI
Based in Southern Oregon, Farm-Hand.AI
developed the AirTrim, a robotic cannabis
flower trimmer whose creators say it's as good
as a hand-trimmer. Equipped with spectral
cameras, AirTrim analyzes the unique aspects
of each flower and creates four-dimensional
images to capture the unique characteristics
of each bud. Then, those 4D images are
uploaded to the company's generative AI
platform to create a custom-cut pattern
for each individual flower. Data in-hand, the
AirTrim begins trimming. Farm-Hand.AI says
its five-station AirTrim robot can produce
2 pounds of trimmed cannabis per hour,
with yields and quality equivalent to hand
trimming.
Cost: The company is actively seeking
pilot customers who can expect to save
approximately 50% off hand-trimming costs.
GROWDOC
Founded by Daniel Lirette and Kieran OliverGiasson
in Toronto, GrowDoc uses AI to
instantly diagnose unhealthy cannabis plants
with just a photo from your phone, making
it perfect for getting quick answers about
threatening pests, pathogens and nutrient
deficiencies. For commercial operations, GrowDoc offers real-time tracking and visualizing of integrated
pest management (IPM) data across the entire grow area. The technology promises to help cultivators
digitize scouting and save on labor and input costs. The AI model is built from years of research and data
collection with cannabis labs and universities across North America.
Cost: Homegrowers' mobile app: CA$7.99/month ($5.89/month);
IPM tracking for commercial use: CA$140+/month ($103.15/month).
AI GROW
Stillwater, Minnesota-based AI Grow designs and implements custom AI-powered watering, fertigation
and lighting solutions for controlled growing environments with its team of electrical engineers, software
developers and master growers. The company says it can help streamline cannabis cultivation processes
and track growth cycles with out-of-the-box automation installations and custom packages. AI Grow
can manage the design and construction of electrical and controls hardware, automation software, data
collection and reporting while maximizing operational efficiency, boosting crop stability and preventing
threats to crops.
Cost: Varies, depending on the system.
- Kate Robertson
AirTrim analyzes each flower to create a custom cut pattern.
Photos courtesy of Farm-hand.AI
mjbizdaily.com | May-June 2024 35

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