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DASH focuses on working together and getting real world tools into the hands of farmers and ranchers, and the BenchBot (pictured), is one component. This low cost, autonomous research robot moves along a crop field automatically capturing and analyzing detailed plant images using built in cameras and computers. The images help train machine learning models for real world agricultural applications.
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Researchers DASH to Improve Crop Management

DASH focuses on working together and getting real world tools into the hands of farmers and ranchers, and the BenchBot (pictured), is one component. This low cost, autonomous research robot moves along a crop field automatically capturing and analyzing detailed plant images using built in cameras and computers. The images help train machine learning models for real world agricultural applications.
DASH focuses on working together and getting real world tools into the hands of farmers and ranchers, and the BenchBot (pictured), is one component. This low cost, autonomous research robot moves along a crop field automatically capturing and analyzing detailed plant images using built in cameras and computers. The images help train machine learning models for real world agricultural applications.

ARS scientists are taking on a grand challenge to develop innovative, scalable solutions for agriculture’s biggest issues. Through the new Digital Agriculture Systems Hub (DASH), researchers can move innovative research ideas through the proof-of-concept phase into the deployable, scalable solutions phase more quickly and efficiently. DASH provides the framework for this transformation, by emphasizing collaboration, creating standardization, and enterprise-level, on-the-ground deployment of new technology. DASH services will include robust phenotyping systems, standardized metadata, automated deployment, and stakeholder-driven designs to ensure scalability and reproducibility.    

DASH offers a paradigm shift for the public-sector research community, enabling ARS to do more with less, while driving transformative change for the farms of the future. As ARS scientists and their research collaborators continue to modernize agricultural systems, DASH can ensure their agriculture innovations move beyond publications -- and into the hands of farmers and stakeholders who need them most. 

Check out the DASH Flyer for more information: https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/oc/discoveries/2026/DASH-Flyer.pdf 

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