https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/news-events daily 0.75 2020-12-15 https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/news-events/blog-post-title-one-b6fkc monthly 0.5 2020-12-02 https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/mafdigitallab daily 1.0 2020-12-16 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd966fc22d9137d93adb41e/1608083217800/IMG_3126+%28Large%29.jpg Home https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd9677a44e0b942c6ed7d4d/1608083550517/DSC_8964.jpg Home https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd968439e3b1725e3d0be99/1608083543475/DSC_8943.jpg Home https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fc6b9d1a038a451bcd4e648/1607989587102/IMG_6229.jpg Home - Complementary and diverse expertise. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fc6b893c7c45a5eaf8d5827/1606858955203/DSCN8795.jpg Home - Projects and solutions Agritech is undergoing unprecedented transformation, and MAF Digital Lab is in the driver’s seat. https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/expertise daily 0.75 2020-12-16 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd96bc11d3b633a7dc16b60/1608084438455/DJI_0117.jpg Expertise https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5f4c18257960e8706cb2ace3/1598822447033/map.jpg Expertise https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5f4c18731f88f957d3dae879/1598822532273/ Expertise https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/projects daily 0.75 2020-12-15 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5efe84fcd5a7ff5087405654/1605677763879/Potgieter-Johan-bouy-2019-004_770x400__ScaleMaxWidthWzk2MF0.jpg Projects - Smart Buoys National Science Challenge - Science for Technological Innovation. A collaborative research project to improve monitoring of offshore mussel farms has moved to its next phase with sensor-laden smart buoys undergoing testing in the Marlborough Sounds. Read the full article here https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5efe86e137b0344cd5e961d5/1605677746000/SCD_Spring%25252B2015_overview_RGB.jpg Projects - Hyperspectral Imagery This 7-year, multi-agency collaboration involving numerous staff and expertise aims to transform the way that fertiliser recommendations are made by remotely sensing the pasture canopy. Using a Hyperspectral sensor to provide information to help predict nutrient status in plants, to predict underlying soil fertility across the whole farm, and then apply the recommended fertiliser using variable rate application technology. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5f0262426683a03959366033/1606864435581/Transpower%2Brobot.jpg Projects - Remote Substation Inspection Robot Development of a robotic automation solution for a major power distributor in New Zealand. This automated robot was developed along with the supporting programming system to enable maintenance inspections to be conducted in remote substations remotely- via scheduled inspections and manual remote operation. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5efe882b11d5fa0d7f12b977/1605677724127/Annotation%2B2020-07-03%2B132025.jpg Projects - Optimising Kiwifruit Packaging for Volumetric Efficiency Mathematical modelling is used as a design tool to identify alternative packaging designs and materials for the kiwifruit industry. Mathematical models that can predict package performance in the supply chain can be used to prototype and compare a large range of alternative designs in a digital environment where material costs are free. https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/next-gen daily 0.75 2020-12-16 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd96e372b52280294476936/1608085058941/Robotics+%26+Automation.jpg The Next Gen https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fc6cb27a038a451bcd8fbfc/1608085105049/Digital+Manufacturing+%26+3D+Printing.jpg The Next Gen https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd96e193e884d70d5dfe362/1608085024849/HortTech.jpg The Next Gen https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fc6cff1bfb90028be3db6a9/1608085085472/Data+%26+Analytics.jpg The Next Gen https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fc6d016bfb90028be3dc0e4/1608085074071/Internet+of+Things.jpg The Next Gen https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd96df02018693b8ca3a695/1608084997342/AgriTech.jpg The Next Gen https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd963b602f85b0e275a7adf/1608082379872/Container+Airflow.jpg The Next Gen A refrigerated container scale model – PhD research Refrigerated containers provide a temperature controlled environment that facilitates global trade of perishable items. Maintaining product temperature throughout the supply chain is critical to preserve product quality. To achieve an effective temperature maintenance inside refrigerated containers, distribution of cooled air around the product as packaged, stacked and arranged within the container is required. In this work, a reduced scale physical model of a refrigerated container is to be built as a resource to study the impacts of design, operation and use of the container on temperature maintenance and consistency within the product stow. The built scale model will allow future detailed study of design or operation decisions on resulting temperature maintenance, which is not achievable in industrial supply chain chains. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd96374c92df02b66b3a6b6/1608082298425/Packaging+choices+for+fruit.jpg The Next Gen Fruit quality and LCA assessment model for making packaging choices for fruit supply chains – PhD research Reducing or eliminating plastics use throughout the supply chain is a desire of many producers, retailers and consumers. For fresh produce, plastic packaging often provides a critical moisture barrier that prevents product loss. In order to reduce plastic use and not increase fruit losses, packaging systems will need to be reimagined. In this project a model framework will be created to estimate fruit loss as affected by packaging performance parameters. These results will then be used as inputs into a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model to quantify the resulting environmental impacts of the packaging choice. The framework can be used as a basis for continual development of sustainable packaging and supply chains. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd9656991b085284899028b/1608082833936/3D+Printing.jpg The Next Gen Free form artificial muscle fibre fabrication utilizing electroactive polymer and biopolymer composites – PhD Research Since the advent of Additive Manufacturing and its diverse field of applications, there are many researchers concerned with the development and fabrication of artificial muscles using 3D printing techniques. While artificial muscles refer to constructs fabricated using a variety of different approaches, 3D printed electroactive actuators are a growing field of interest, especially due to the advancement and sophistication of materials science. Within this context, there exists a desire for the development of individual fibres, akin to those occurring in natural muscle. This project aims to develop a processing methodology through which artificial muscle electroactive actuators are be developed using 3D printing technology. This contributes towards the future development of smart devices / sensors, smart textiles, biomimetic robotics and many other applications. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/t/5fd962272ef1c91c7fe95f86/1608081987435/Kiwifruit+Scuffing.jpg The Next Gen Determining factors that influence susceptibility to skin scuffing of kiwifruit – MSc research Sale of fruit relies heavily on the physical appearance. Fruit of all types suffer from physical injuries resulting in blemishes and deformities that reduce product quality. Skin scuffing is a visible symptom of physical damage which appears as discoloured brown spots on the fruit skin. Incidence of skin scuffing has been observed in kiwifruit, although incidence and prevalence seems to be highly random. In this work, fruit are being deliberating exposed to a consistent scuffing process in order to identify fruit attributes that indicate susceptibility to expressing scuffing injuries. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify physiological reasons for some batches of fruit to be more susceptibility to develop injury than others. With this knowledge work can begin to find means to mitigate fruit losses caused by scuffing, by reducing both causes and susceptibility to scuffing. https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/ourpeople daily 0.75 2020-12-17 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd83dbad65b136a3c9ffabe/1608012807027/Louise+Hopkins.jpg Our People Louise Hopkins Centre Administrator Louise ensures the smooth organisation of the administrative procedures and processes for MAF Digital Lab. She has considerable knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning and coordination of people and resources, finance and project budget reporting. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8571ed65b136a3ca2c121/5fd85771acce81371bf4c36e/1608013777633/Andrew+East.jpg Our People Andrew East Director, Prof Postharvest Eng. Andrew is professor of postharvest engineering providing industry-focused research primarily on storage and logistics of perishable horticultural products. His current research interest include non-destructive quality assessment methods, mathematical description and optimisation of processes, and cool chains. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd83da9e1330e0fe6fefb2b/1608012864453/Russell+Wilson.jpg Our People Russell Wilson</h3 Commercialisation Russell provides commercialisation and IP support to all of the work at MAF Digital Lab. Whether it be contracts, IP or funding access discussions, Russell knows what to do. Beyond this function Russell is not afraid to get his hands dirty and can invariably be found helping out with livestock or produce during Agritech field trials. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8571ed65b136a3ca2c121/5fd857719bcbe24a810a81f0/1608013824896/Johan+Potgieter.jpg Our People Johan Potgieter Prof Robotics Johan is a professor of robotics within the MAF Digital Lab. His current research interests are mainly in the areas of additive manufacturing, sustainable product development and advanced mechatronics/robotics with applications in AgriTech. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8571ed65b136a3ca2c121/5fd857726de0762fb7160a73/1608085348691/Ian%2BYule.jpg Our People Ian Yule Prof Prec. Ag Ian remains professor of precision agriculture while being research director for PlantTech Research. Ian has considerable experience in precision agriculture, agri-technology and remote sensing; with a particular focus on hyperspectral imaging and image analysis. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fdaa2ab288c90654da0fbdc/1608164033486/Rebecca+Reed.jpg Our People Rebecca Reed Project Development Rebecca is a Research Management professional with more than a decade of experience. Rebecca has a MSc (Conservation Biology) with additional specialisation in Research Management. Project Management, Professional Writing and Research Portfolio Coordination. Her strengths include project coordination, R&D strategy, stakeholder engagement, technical writing and research funding. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd83d9baa13016ef0294fa2/1608012948612/Reddy+Pullanagari.jpg Our People Reddy Pullanagari Senior Research Officer Research primarily focused on precision agriculture technologies with an aim of improving food supply and sustainability while minimising environmental footprint. Reddy works extensively with remote sensing and GIS tools combined with statistical algorithms to assess the health of plants and determine exactly how much water and nutrients need to thrive. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd8556420dbd00aec585fd0/1608013458873/Chris+Hamling.jpg Our People Chris Hamling Project Manager Chris is an experienced engineer who specialises in networked embedded systems and product development. He is passionate about the role STEM plays in the developing knowledge economy and provides leadership to many engineering project being undertaken. Previously Chris provided leadership of the VEX robotics competition to New Zealand. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd8556440c9a47829f2f2b5/1608013400675/Li+Mo.jpg Our People Li Mo Research Officer Janelle has a strong interest in applied sciences relating to the use of non-destructive quality assessment techniques combined with advanced data analytics and modelling approaches. She works with several primary industries across fruit and vegetable industries. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd855649bcbe24a810a4dfa/1608013350464/Nitin+Bhatia.jpg Our People Nitin Bhatia Research Officer Nitin’s research interest includes, pre-processing of remote sensing data including radiometric and atmospheric correction; image processing using deep learning (AI); land-use / land-cover change detection; uncertainty and sensitivity analysis; estimation/optimization of atmospheric condition parameters; and geo-spatial modelling. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd8556350dc481b789c019a/1608013301085/Sebastian+Rivera.jpg Our People Sebastian Rivera PhD Student Sebastian is an Agronomist Engineer with a Masters in plant science from Chile. Sebastian’s research interests include postharvest physiology, pathology and technology of fruit. His PhD research focuses on the development of a standard methodology for the evaluation of textural properties of fresh blueberries. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd859956de0762fb7163f40/1608015631173/Gabe+Redding.jpg Our People Gabe Redding Senior Redding Officer Gabes' research focus is in the area of applying mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence and synthetic data to gain insight into and optimise biological systems. He has worked on projects across a broad range of application areas including assisted reproduction, sports analytics, product packaging, and supply chain efficiency and optimisation. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd859969bcbe24a810ab18b/1608015627362/Mica+Reyes.jpg Our People Mica Reyes Technician Mica is an Agronomist Engineer from University of Chile, and provides critical technical support for a wide range of project within the group. She is equally comfortable collecting data in agricultural fields, orchards, in the postharvest or hyperspectral labs. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd85995eaa8e77ae8e9b016/1608015514529/Heath+Ascott-Evans.jpg Our People Heath Ascott-Evans Masters Student Heath has a BE in Mechatronics and is undergoing a Master of Engineering, with focus on the sensor technology for robot automation. His work on development of robotic automation solutions is driven by an interest in reduction of hazardous work and improvement in workers safety and efficiency. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd85995acce81371bf4f71f/1608015729049/Eduardo+Sandoval.jpg Our People Eduardo Sandoval Technical Officer Eduardo has experience in earth remote sensing, geographical information systems (GIS), aerial imaging and photogrammetry (UAV’s), hyperspectral/multispectral imaging and global positioning systems (GPS). He currently supports a number of research projects that take him throughout New Zealand, commercially and academically. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd85e58acb8b50f0667b7de/1608016879488/Daniel%2BFoster.jpg Our People Daniel Foster Masters Student Daniel has a BE in Mechatronics engineering and is currently undergoing a Master of Engineering, focusing on data collection and analysis. He is currently working on network and database design and interests include computer vision, and a lot of programming. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd85e5740c9a47829f3b3de/1608016964193/Praveen%252BVeeregowda.jpg Our People Praveen Veeregowda PhD Student Praveen holds a BHort from the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot, India. He later studied postharvest technology as his major during his Master’s at Amity University, India. Currently, Praveen’s research focuses on understanding kiwifruit postharvest physiology in tropical climates. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd85e5889c44d5cce3fd692/1608015715980/Stefan+Carter.jpg Our People Stefan Carter Technical Officer Stefan has a BSc in Physical Geography and is currently studying his MSc in Physical Geography. He is also employed as a Technical Officer. Stefan is interested and passionate about utilising remote sensing and GIS technology to monitor environmental change over time. Stefan can often be found in a small plane, ensuring the capture of critical data that feeds into a number of our projects. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd85e57bf84161920ff828a/1608015762597/Zoe+Yang.jpg Our People Zhuo Yang PhD Student Zoe has a Bachelor of Agriculture from Beijing Forestry University, China and Master of Science (Horticulture Science) from Auburn University, US. Zoe is now investigating to use laser backscattering imaging technique to non-destructively predict fruit quality and maturity as well as to detect internal disorders for kiwifruit. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd860dd9bcbe24a810b39ee/1608016673238/Zhan+Widdison.jpg Our People Zhan Widdison Masters Student Zhan graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor's in Mechatronic Engineering and is now his Master's in Engineering. He has worked on international projects with clients such as ZURU and has experience working with focused project teams. He specialises in the development and testing of electronic systems with links to mechanical applications. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd860dd998a6a2ed549dbad/1608016911983/Han%2BYujie.jpg Our People Yujie Han PhD Student Han was born with a passion for plants which has kept her in the horticultural industry for several years. She is now working on postharvest physiology of kiwifruit, particularly on the impact of ethylene, controlled atmosphere and modified atmosphere packaging on storage and quality outcomes. Han has a Bachelor of Agriculture in Horticulture, and is completing a Masters in Horticulture. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd860dd8f52e72873db97e5/1608016677481/Jean-Henri+Odendaal.jpg Our People Jean-Henri Odendaal PhD Student Jay specialises in the development of 4D printing technology with biomaterials and subsequently the associated materials science. He forms a part of the SfTi National Science 3D / 4D printing spearhead and has links with Scion, GNS Science and the Creative Design and Additive Manufacturing Lab at the University of Auckland. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd860dec1688b1bab971f0d/1608016679988/Abdulquadri+Alaka.jpg Our People Abdulquadri Alaka PhD Student Abdulquadri has a Masters in Food Technology, from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He’s passionate about learning and building technological solutions to preserve horticultural produce. His Ph.D. research focuses on the development of a physical scale model to understand airflow and temperature distribution inside a reefer container loaded with pallets of produce. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd86173998a6a2ed549ebdf/1608017056600/Carlos%2BLopez-Lozano.jpg Our People Carlos Lopez-Lozano PhD Student Carlos BE in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering and is now doing his PhD in Engineering. His research focus is to develop mathematical models to predict ethylene concentrations in kiwifruit boxes in order to assist with understanding box to box variability of kiwifruit storage quality in the supply chain. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd861736de0762fb716f40f/1608017021651/Ruishu%2BCao.jpg Our People Ruishu Cao Masters Student Ruishu has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from China and completing a Masters in Horticulture science. Her project focuses on the description of fruit shrivel with non-destructive 3D description technology. Ruishu has previously worked on regulates auxin efflux regulation in tomato, in affecting flower abscission. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd8617377d7f03dcdb406d8/1608016688981/Talon+Sneddon.jpg Our People Talon Sneddon PhD Student Talon has a Bachelors in Agriscience, and is completing his Masters of Science (Horticulture). Talon is interested in plant cells, fruit physiology and data analysis. He will soon start his PhD which will continue his investigation of fruit skin damage within supply chains systems and the reasons for susceptibility to developing injury. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd8385289c44d5cce3be5c7/5fd86173cdf20e74c7ec5451/1608016692157/Raquel+Lopez-Lozano.jpg Our People Raquel Lozano PhD Student Raquel graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor's in Food Technology and is now doing her PhD in Engineering. Her main focus for her PhD is to develop mathematical models to assess and optimise packaging materials for kiwifruit industry to meet sustainability commitments. https://www.mafdigitallab.co.nz/contact daily 0.75 2020-12-17 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd86d5c40c9a47829f4ea5f/5fd96d052018693b8ca3894e/1608084755696/DSC_8956.jpg Contact https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd86d5c40c9a47829f4ea5f/5fd96d05fc576a1128847423/1608084757868/20190919_101606.jpg Contact https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd86d5c40c9a47829f4ea5f/5fd96d053e884d70d5dfaf69/1608084760082/IMG_2017.jpg Contact https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb0a52328c41d22842ded1b/5fd86d5c40c9a47829f4ea5f/5fd96d06f312a43fcd2eab1c/1608084761777/IMG_2215.jpg Contact