About the Lab

About Smart Systems Engineering

The Smart Systems Engineering in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University focuses on advancing intelligent technologies for next-generation horticultural and agricultural systems. Our research integrates innovative sensing tools, computer vision, robotics, automation, precision control systems, and AI-driven analytics to improve production efficiency, reduce labor demands, and strengthen resilience across diverse growing environments. Applications of our work span fruit and vegetable production, nursery and landscape systems, and greenhouse operations.

Our research emphasizes smart horticulture and controlled environment agriculture through the development of multi-modal sensing systems capable of capturing spatial, temporal, and compositional variations in plant health and microclimate conditions. By studying the complex interactions among environmental conditions, growth media, and crop stress signals, we aim to enable early detection, informed intervention, and data-driven optimization for sustainable crop production.

The lab also develops robust machine learning and deep learning pipelines for analyzing heterogeneous, multi-scale agricultural data. Through collaborations with industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions, the Smart Systems Engineering Lab works to translate advanced engineering and AI technologies into practical solutions that support the future of resilient, high-precision agriculture.