Challenge Australian protected cropping growers face high pollination costs due to the absence of Bumble Bees and restrictions on importing them. Unlike growers in the Northern Hemisphere who benefit from natural buzz-pollination, Australian protected cropping producers rely on manual tools to induce pollination. This method is labour-intensive, imprecise, and expensive, creating a strong demand for an automated, cost-effective alternative that can deliver consistent results in controlled environments.
Solution A cross-disciplinary team of plant scientists and engineers developed an Acoustic-Induced Pollination System (AIPS) that uses sound vibrations to mimic the pollination effects of Bumble Bees. By adapting time-reversal acoustic beamforming technology, the team designed a system that can precisely target flowers with specific sound frequencies to trigger pollen release. Trials conducted in greenhouse settings tested this approach on three commercial tomato varieties using a mobile acoustic device and high-speed imaging to measure effectiveness. The system is designed for integration with AI and sensors to enable fully automated, remote-controlled pollination across large indoor cropping areas.
Impact The project demonstrated the feasibility of using focused acoustic vibrations to induce pollination in tomato crops without physical contact. It offers a scalable, lower-cost alternative to manual methods, reducing labour needs and enabling greater precision in pollination timing. This innovation positions Australian growers to adopt more efficient, technology-driven practices, contributing to the broader shift toward automation and sustainability in horticulture.
