Bionote
Felix Esser is a PhD student at the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation at the University of Bonn, Germany, since 2021. His PhD topic deals with the creation of high-precise and high-resolution 3D plant reconstructions using Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) equipped with multiple laser scanners and cameras. To allow growth monitoring over time, the 3D reconstructions are georeferenced at centimeter accuracy using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data. This allows the estimation of phenotypic traits such as leaf area, leaf angle, and plant height, which deliver important information for field management decisions and breeding applications.
Presentation Abstract
With the need to feed a growing world population, the efficiency of crop production is of paramount importance. To support breeding and field management, various characteristics of the plant phenotype need to be measured—a time-consuming process when performed manually. We present a robotic platform equipped with multiple laser and camera sensors for high-throughput, high-resolution in-field plant scanning. We create digital models of the plants through 3D reconstruction. This allows the estimation of phenotypic traits such as leaf area, leaf angle, and plant height. We validate our system on a real field, where we reconstruct accurate point clouds and meshes of sugar beet, soybean, and maize.
Co-Researcher (Supervisors): Lasse Klingbeil, Heiner Kuhlmann