Prof. Robert J Howlett
KES International, UK, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK and 'Aurel Vlaicu' University of Arad, RomaniaInnovation in food production ... Towards sustainably feeding the world
Abstract:
Civilisation faces huge challenges in the 21st century in feeding a growing population a healthy diet while avoiding excessive consumption of natural resources and damage to the environment. Innovative approaches are required to food production technology that increase yields and decrease waste, at the same time minimising harm to the ecosystem. Recent challenges such as the Covid global pandemic and armed conflicts in various parts of the world have demonstrated the importance of resilience throughout the 'Farm to Fork' food chain through local production. New technologies are increasingly being incorporated into various aspects of the food production process. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are being used to optimise growing regimes. The Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, geolocation, are being used e.g. for precision agriculture. Plant factories can repurpose redundant buildings and bring food production close to consumers, eliminating transport costs and emissions. Sustainable energy technologies are being used to reduce energy costs in greenhouses and other examples of controlled environment horticulture. This talk will provide an overview of the subject and identify future trends.
Biography:
Robert Howlett is the Academic Chair of KES International, a non-profit organisation which facilitates knowledge transfer and the dissemination of research results in areas that include Intelligent Systems, Sustainability, and Knowledge Transfer. He is a Visiting Professor in Sustainable Innovation at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK, and Visiting Professor at 'Aurel Vlaicu' University of Arad, Romania. He has previously been Visiting Professor in Enterprise at Bournemouth University, UK, and was a Reader at the University of Brighton. His technical expertise is in the use of artificial intelligence paradigms for the solution of industrial problems. His current interests centre on the application of smart systems to sustainability, particularly renewable energy and applications in housing and controlled environment horticulture. He previously developed a national profile in knowledge and technology transfer, and the commercialisation of research. He works with a number of universities and international research groups on the supervision teams of PhD students, and provides technical support for research projects.
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