Global AgTech company Autogrow has utilized Amazon’s virtual assistant ‘Alexa’, and their IntelliGrow API (Application Programming Interface) to create the first ever talking automated growing system.

Their breakthrough technology demonstrates the versatility of their API and proves Autogrow’s commitment to crack the code of future crop production.

“We think this is the best use-case of AI (Artificial Intelligence) today. We’ve basically turned a vocal sound into a machine command and proven integration of different systems is possible,” says CEO Darryn Keiller.

“We have done it with Alexa, but we can also integrate with a growers HVAC or lighting system. The possibilities are limitless.”

Autogrow has been considering voice activation technology for a while, but it was a recent conversation with one of their growers that spurred them to accelerate development.

“One of our growers noted how modern apps like Apple’s Siri allows you to interact and how great it would be if he could ask his controller to update him on his crop environment but also instruct it to take action if required,” explains CTO Jeffrey Law.

“Our Solutions Architect, Lee Dunn, relished the challenge and chose Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service (AVS) due to their commitment to enable developers to voice-enable connected products.”

By connecting with Autogrow’s API, Alexa can answer a variety of questions related to readings from Autogrow’s Intelli Range of products including EC, pH, humidity, temperature and light as well as force a nutrient dose.

“This is a new tool we can build on to give our growers more flexibility and control in their business and from here, the possibilities are limitless,” says Mr Keiller.

“At the heart of it, our burning drive is to help producers of crops grown in non-outdoor environments produce more yield, better quality crops, all year round. They can then generate more profit, enabling them to produce crops that the consumer wants, and when they want it,” says Mr Keiller.