NIRS2KMU
With the NIRS2KMU project, KoDA supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bavaria in using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in their own companies in a practical and value-adding way. Free workshops teach them how to work on NIR-based issues independently - from measurement to a functioning AI model.
Background and motivation
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a method that can be used in conjunction with AI to record a wide range of product properties. This applies not only, but also to the agricultural and food industry. The process is characterized by the fact that it is very cost-effective and non-destructive compared to conventional methods and can deliver fast results. The selection of suitable sensors and the creation of calibration curves represent a great opportunity for SMEs when it comes to recording the qualities and quantities of soils, plants, agricultural raw materials and foodstuffs. NIRS can therefore make a significant contribution to cost savings, quality assurance and the conservation of natural resources.
Objective
The aim of the NIRS2KMU project is to enable small and medium-sized enterprises in Bavaria to use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) independently and practically in an operational environment. To this end, workshops are held to teach both the theoretical basics and the practical handling of sensor technology, data evaluation and the creation of calibration models. The aim is to enable participants to work on their own issues and use the technology to determine quality, optimize processes and conserve resources in a value-adding manner. At the same time, the project contributes to strengthening the transfer of knowledge from research to practice and promoting the use of digital and AI-supported methods in SMEs.
Procedure
The implementation takes place in the form of practice-oriented workshops, which are carried out at the Competence Center for Digital Agriculture (KoDA) and, if necessary, in cooperation with partners. Participants work on specific application examples along the entire NIRS workflow - from sampling and measurement to data preparation and the creation and assessment of calibration models.
The NIRS workshop set up at KoDA is available for practical implementation and offers a realistic working environment with the corresponding sensors and software. In addition, the basics of measurement principles, data analysis and possible fields of application are taught. The aim is to provide participants with a structured and comprehensible introduction to the method and to promote transferability to their own operational issues.
