September 28, 2020

Media advisory – Agricultural Robot Visiting SIU Carbondale

Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover a visit by “Spot,” a dog-like agricultural robot that will be visiting Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Tuesday, Sept. 29. 

“Spot” and robots like him provide a glimpse into the future of agricultural technology. His assets include sensors that allow him to sniff out plant pathogen gases in the environment. 

Those interested in covering this demonstration, as well as the subsequent harvest of SIU’s hemp research field, should meet at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at SIU’s Horticulture Research Center, 599 Rowden Road, Carbondale. 

“Spot” will be available with his handler, Kyle Baker, of Ecobuds Inc., as well as Hasan Seyyedhasani, an assistant professor in the School of Agricultural Sciences with expertise in precision agriculture. 

For more information, contact Tim Crosby, coordinator, at 618/534-3045, or crosby@siu.edu.