Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico – Chuúk, a technology company established by residents of Ciudad Juárez, is making strides in the AgriTech sector with its innovative intelligent crop monitoring project. The company, whose name means ‘charcoal’ in Maya, focuses on developing tailored technological solutions for various industries, including agriculture, medicine, and industrial applications.
AgriTech Project: AI for Predictive Crop Health
The core of Chuúk’s agricultural innovation lies in its AgriTech project, which utilizes artificial intelligence to monitor crops intelligently. According to Molina Franco, the project aims to predict potential fungal pathologies and other pests, thereby preventing outbreaks and reducing production losses during harvest.
“We use artificial intelligence to predict possible pathologies, which are fungal diseases and pests, to prevent these pests, avoid them, and prevent production losses at the time of harvesting,” stated Molina Franco. He added, “We want to both reduce that cost and support the benefit of the entire farming community, especially here in Ciudad Juárez.”
Local Impact and Future Expansion
Chuúk plans to initially implement and test its AgriTech project in Samalayuca, a region near Ciudad Juárez known for its agricultural activity. The company is in the process of seeking support from the municipal government to develop specialized sensors for field monitoring. “We can also develop the sensors ourselves; we are in the process of requesting a budget directly from the presidency so that we can deploy everything that has been planned,” Molina Franco explained.
The goal is to extend this technology throughout Ciudad Juárez and eventually across the entire state of Chihuahua. The initiative seeks to minimize the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers by identifying which substances promote plant growth and which do not, ultimately fostering more fertile land in the northern region of Mexico.
Proprietary Software and Microsoft Collaboration
The Chuúk team, comprising Alejandro del Rio Mauricio (CEO and Founder), Ares Arturo Molina Franco (CTO), and Héctor Alejandro Hernández Villanueva (Lead Programmer), has developed the software and algorithms in-house. This includes the computer vision model, a feat made possible through training and opportunities provided by Microsoft.
“We developed the software completely, all the algorithms, the computer vision model; we designed everything ourselves thanks to the training we received from Microsoft,” Molina Franco highlighted. The sensors installed in the fields communicate with each other, transmitting data that is then interpreted and presented to farmers in easy-to-understand graphs and downloadable PDF documents. This allows for precise tracking of crop needs, such as water requirements, and early detection of potential problems.
Competitive Edge and Accessibility
Chuúk emphasizes its commitment to providing more affordable, accessible, and customized solutions compared to existing technologies. “We are all from Juárez, and we are offering alternatives to this industry that are more economical, more accessible, and tailored to the needs of those who need them; there are already many sensors, there are metrics for everything, but we bring something that is exactly what you need,” Molina Franco affirmed.
The company is currently preparing for demonstration plots in Samalayuca, where they will begin monitoring crops like pumpkins alongside INIFAP (National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research) and Rural Development within approximately two weeks.
Broader Vision: Industry 4.0 and Medical Applications
While the AgriTech project is a significant undertaking, Chuúk’s vision extends beyond agriculture. The company aims to contribute to Industry 4.0 by providing technological solutions for various industrial processes and is also exploring applications in the medical field. This multi-faceted approach underscores Chuúk’s ambition to be a leading technology provider in the region.
The development of such advanced technology by local talent represents a significant step forward for Ciudad Juárez, showcasing its potential as a hub for innovation and technological development in Mexico.
Source: https://oem.com.mx/elheraldodejuarez/ciencia-y-salud/chuuk-empresa-de-tecnologia-creada-por-juarenses-29444990
