UK Researchers want to create a perfect potato using artificial intelligence

Videogame technology will be used to help develop the perfect potato as part of a ground-breaking new project involving Abertay University and a major potato seed supplier.

The university, based in Dundee, has entered into a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Agrico UK Ltd, with the aim of utilizing artificial intelligence to shorten what is normally a lengthy and complicated process.

It takes more than 10-years to develop new breeds of potato with disease resistance, tolerance to heat and drought, and, importantly, taste among the factors taken into consideration.

It's hoped the £118,000 project, funded by Innovate UK and the Scottish Funding Council, will devise screening techniques that will help select potatoes with clear consumer appeal and qualities that make them easy to grow.

Dr. John Grigor, from Abertay's Division of Engineering and Food Science:

“This project is scheduled to last for 30-months, and we are delighted to be working with Agrico UK Ltd on something that has the potential to make a real difference.”

Dr. Paul Robertson, from Abertay's School of Design and Informatics:

“Abertay has an international reputation for its work in videogame technology and we’re excited to be able to use it in such a unique way.”

Dr. Steven Muir from Agrico UK Ltd said:

“This project is quite unique and uses new techniques to allow us to better predict successful varieties of potato for consumers. We have been involved in successful KTPs in the past and have found them to be extremely beneficial.”

Archie Gibson, Agrico UK Executive Director:

“Integrating data science in combination with sensory and consumer science is an important part of our vision, and is key to our ambitions for the future.”

Abertay has worked with a wide range of industrial partners during KTPs, and outperforms many larger universities in an area key to the UK Government’s industrial strategy. The University has strong links with the food and drink industry, and the expertise of its academic staff is highly sought after by industry, professionals and the academic community.