About the project

Accurate identification, counting, and measurement of plant traits (phenotyping) is essential for the development of new crops, and for assessing plant health, predicting yields, and optimizing agricultural practices. Traditional manual measurement methods are time-consuming, expensive, and lack repeatability and precision. The use of modern technologies such as computer vision can significantly improve accuracy and efficiency.

A startup company has envisioned and patented an imaging box for the phenotyping of plants that allows for much more detailed measurements and with higher efficiency in return than existing technologies. The company now wants to further develop and commercialize the technology.  (Example of competitive technologies can be found by searching them with the keyword “field phenotyping.”)

Goal of the master thesis

To ensure its success in the long term, the company wants to adopt a development strategy that ensures a successful launch of the first version of its product and that allows the company to sustain its advantage as a first-mover. In practice, that means that the company needs for example to decide whether to develop a series of products with the inclusion of specific sensors and mechanical systems or an integrated product; the company needs to consider whether a modular architecture is the way to go; the company needs to establish a product development plan, etc. The goal of the master thesis is to support the company in these activities.

The project can be oriented towards the technical part of the development strategy, but it can also be oriented towards the development of a full business model for the company.

Student profile

The startup company has expertise in phenotyping and is collaborating with a large company specializing in sensors. The company needs students with knowledge in mechanical engineering but above all in product development methodology, product innovation, and/or development of complex technical product systems. Therefore, the project fits students interested in a master thesis within Product Development, Technical Design or Innovation Engineering.

Two students would be preferable for this project. If one student is from Industrial Engineering and Management, part of the project can be extended toward the development of a full business model for the company (Knowledge in entrepreneurship and lean start-up methodology is an advantage).

Synergy with master thesis project II (Conceptual design of an imaging box for phenotyping of plants)

In parallel with the development of an overall strategy, the company wants to develop a minimal viable product (MVP) for potential customers and investors. This is the goal of the master thesis project II. There might therefore be synergy between the two projects.

Contact

For questions about the master thesis project contact Damien Motte (damien.motte@design.lth.se) or Joze Tavcar (joze.tavcar@design.lth.se)