Description
IRRIOT is a wireless precision irrigation automation system for agriculture and horticulture that controls field irrigation without in-field cabling or grid electricity. The solution allows users to set and manage irrigation schedules remotely, automate watering based on sensor data and weather information, and control multiple zones.
Technology
IRRIOT combines a central irrigation controller with solar-powered remote terminal units connected to valves and field sensors. The system uses long-range LoRa communication between the controller and RTUs and a cloud platform that synchronizes irrigation programmes, so users can set schedules, sensor-based rules and zones via web and mobile application (IRRIOT app) while irrigation logic continues to run locally during connectivity outages. The system integrates soil moisture, temperature and rain sensors, weather data to automate and adjust irrigation according to field conditions.
Target
IRRIOT targets smallholder farmers, medium and large farms, horticulture producers, nurseries, orchards, vineyards and vegetable growers seeking to modernize their irrigation systems. The solution also targets agriculture cooperatives, irrigation service providers and private sector companies that design and manage irrigation schemes.
Business model
IRRIOT’s business model combines sale of devices with a Software as a Service subscription, and the company offers an Irrigation as a Service (IRRaaS) concept where clients subscribe to a complete package that bundles hardware, software and ongoing services.
Impact
IRRIOT reports that wireless precision irrigation can reduce water use by up to 50 percent and increase crop yields by around 30 percent compared with manual irrigation, while also saving hundreds of work hours and lowering electricity consumption. IRRIOT case studies describe deployments on farms in at least eight countries and company projections of more than 1 000 installations globally by 2024, indicating growing adoption and environmental benefits such as reduced runoff, eutrophication and soil erosion.
Partners
EIT Climate Kic; EIT Food; Expert Agroteh; Gulf Water Management Solutions; Meyer; Vinnova; Win Water
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
