Enhancing Plant Variety Discovery Process with Visual Trait Assessment in VR

This 10-minute IEEE conference talk presents an innovative approach to plant breeding evaluation through virtual reality technology. Learn how researchers from DFKI and NPZ Innovation GmbH developed an integrated system that combines robotic data collection with VR interfaces to transform agricultural assessment workflows. The system autonomously captures images, spectral data, and 3D scans of canola trials, enabling plant breeders to remotely compare crop varieties across different locations and growth stages—capabilities not available in traditional field assessments. Discover the results of a user study with five breeders that demonstrated consistent scoring patterns and positive feedback, particularly regarding the system's ability to facilitate cross-location and temporal comparisons for enhanced trait assessment decisions.