Frost poses a recurring threat to farming communities in the Peruvian highlands. In areas where potato production is fundamental to the family economy and food security, a single night of extreme temperatures can jeopardize months of work.

Faced with this reality, Adventist researchers from Peruvian Union University (UPeU) created a device that allows farmers to anticipate frost risk and issue early warnings, enabling them to take preventive measures.

The project was developed by Danny Lévano Rodríguez, who has experience in research and development of technologies related to artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things; Godofredo Quea López; Benazir Francis Herrera Yucra; and David Mamani Pari. Each team member is part of the UPeU's School of Systems Engineering.

The device combines temperature sensors with artificial intelligence models. Unlike general forecasts, the system allows direct monitoring of conditions on agricultural plots and detection of environmental changes that could indicate an impending frost.

According to information provided by UPeU, the device can generate alerts up to 12 hours in advance. This timeframe allows farmers to assess risks and take steps to reduce the impact of low temperatures on crops.

Technology applied to a specific need

The system was tested in the town of Suches, in the Caracoto district of Juliaca, Puno, an area where agriculture is an important part of the family economy. During open-field tests, the device accurately predicted frost over a distance of 5 kilometers and maintained functionality in areas with limited connectivity, such as the Peruvian highlands.

The integration of artificial intelligence and sensors enables continuous environmental monitoring and provides real-time information on field conditions. The device doesn't replace the producer's decisions; rather, it provides additional information to enable more proactive action.

The device is currently being registered as a utility model with INDECOPI, the entity responsible for protecting intellectual rights in Peru.

Service-oriented research

This project is part of UPeU's applied research approach, which seeks to use knowledge and technological innovation to address specific societal needs. UPeU has research and technological development projects in areas integrating artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other emerging technologies.

For UPeU, this initiative reflects a service-oriented perspective linked to the care of creation and the well-being of communities. Thus, the university promotes scientific research as a tool for addressing everyday challenges and contributing to the sustainable development of populations.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site.