DataDiva 2.0 2025 Event – Farm-To-Plate AI

Event Title

DataDiva Bootcamp 2.0: Farm-to-Plate AI – Enhance Freshness & Reduce Waste with Robotics and Computer Vision

About the Event

Nigeria loses nearly half of its fresh produce before it reaches consumers β€” a challenge that demands smart, tech-driven solutions. DataDiva Bootcamp 2.0 empowers women to harness the power of AI, robotics, and computer vision to build innovative solutions that detect food quality, extend shelf life, and reduce waste from farm to plate.

This hands-on bootcamp combines practical training, expert mentorship, and real-world problem solving to equip participants with the tools to create impact in agriculture and food systems.

What You’ll Learn

  • Basics of computer vision and AI model development for food quality detection
  • Introduction to robotics systems for sorting and handling produce
  • Data collection and analysis for freshness tracking and waste reduction
  • Real-world applications of AI in agriculture and sustainable food systems
  • Team-based project development and presentation

Who Should Attend

  • Women and young professionals passionate about AI, agritech, and sustainability
  • Students, researchers, and developers eager to apply technology for social impact
  • Entrepreneurs and innovators interested in smart farming and food systems

Why Attend

  • Learn from industry experts and mentors
  • Gain hands-on experience building real AI prototypes
  • Network with a community of women driving agricultural innovation
  • Earn a certificate of participation and join the DataDiva alumnae network

Event Details

πŸ“ Location: [University of Lagos, Hybrid]
πŸ“… Date: December [to be fixed soon]
πŸ•’ Time: [to be fixed]
🎟️ Registration: Free

Organized by

Tech4Her Africa – DataDiva Initiative in partnership with WiDS [Women in Data Science Worldwide]
Empowering women through data, AI, and digital innovation to create sustainable impact across Africa.

Register for DataDiva 2.0: Click here!

Project Profile β€” Farm-to-Plate AI

Farm-to-Plate AI: Reducing Farm Post-Harvest Waste via Robotics & Computer Vision

Summary / Abstract

This project aims to design, prototype, and deploy an intelligent system combining robotics and computer vision to monitor, sort, and manage fresh produce along the supply chainβ€”from harvest to retail. The goal is to maximize freshness, minimize spoilage, and optimize logistic decisions (e.g. routing, storage) using AI models and automated hardware.

Objectives

  • Develop a computer vision model to detect quality and defects in produce (e.g. bruising, discoloration, rot).
  • Integrate the vision model with a robotic sorting/handling mechanism (e.g. conveyor + robotic arm) to separate substandard items.
  • Build predictive models to estimate time-to-spoilage under different environmental conditions (temp, humidity, gas composition).
  • Use data analytics to optimize inventory, routing, and shelf-life extension decisions.
  • Test the system in a pilot setting (farm, storage, market) and measure waste reduction, quality retention, and cost-benefits.

Scope / Deliverables

  • Dataset: Collect images and sensor data (temperature, humidity, ethylene) across different produce types.
  • Model Development: Train CV models (e.g. CNNs) for classification and defect detection; sensor-fusion predictive models.
  • Hardware Integration: Prototype or simulate robotic sorting hardware.
  • Software / Pipeline: Build end-to-end pipeline (capture β†’ inference β†’ actuation β†’ logging).
  • Dashboard / Visualization: Provide UI for stakeholders to monitor produce status, waste metrics, alerts.
  • Pilot Deployment: Deploy in a real or simulated environment; collect feedback and performance metrics.
  • Documentation & Report: Publish methodology, code, evaluation results, lessons, recommendations.

Technologies / Tools

  • Computer Vision / Deep Learning: TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV
  • Embedded / Robotics: ROS, Arduino / Raspberry Pi / Jetson Nano, robotic arm kits
  • Sensors: Temperature, humidity, gas sensors (e.g. ethylene), multispectral / RGB cameras
  • Data Analytics & Backend: Python (Pandas, scikit-learn), databases (SQL / NoSQL)
  • Interface / Dashboard: Web frameworks (Flask, Django, Dash), visualization libraries (Plotly, D3)
  • Simulation / CAD / Control: Gazebo / Simulink / MATLAB (link with MathWorks)

Success Metrics / KPIs

  • Waste reduction (kg or %) relative to baseline
  • Shelf-life extension (average extra freshness days)
  • Accuracy of defect detection (precision, recall, F1)
  • Processing throughput (units per minute)
  • Cost-benefit / ROI
  • User / stakeholder satisfaction

Partners / Stakeholders

  • Local farms / cooperatives
  • Markets / retailers
  • Agricultural extension services
  • Universities / research labs
  • Tech sponsors (sensor vendors, robotics kits, cloud providers)

Register for DataDiva 2.0: Click here!

The Importance of Consistency and Signifiers in UI Design

User interface design is an integral part of any product development process. It involves creating an interface that users can interact with seamlessly, efficiently, and enjoyably. Two essential principles in UI design are consistency and signifiers.

Consistency refers to the uniformity of the interface design across different pages, screens, and interactions. It makes it easy for users to navigate and understand the product. When a product has a consistent design, users can quickly learn how to perform different actions and predict what will happen when they click on different buttons.

On the other hand, signifiers refer to the visual cues that help users understand how to interact with the product. They include buttons, icons, color, and typography. Signifiers should be clear and easy to understand to avoid confusion and frustration for users.

Consistency and signifiers are crucial in UI design because they improve the user experience, reduce errors, and increase user engagement. When a product is consistent, users are more likely to trust it and feel confident using it. Signifiers help users understand the product’s functionality and how to navigate it, reducing the learning curve.

In conclusion, consistency and signifiers are essential principles in UI design. They create a seamless user experience and help users navigate and understand the product. As a UI designer, it’s essential to keep these principles in mind when designing interfaces to ensure the best possible user experience.

User Interface Design in 3 Minutes

What is UI?

The user interface (UI) acts as the medium of interaction between a user and a device or technology. It comprises of a set of visual components and controls such as menus, buttons, and icons that enable users to control and interact with the system. UI can either be graphical, as seen on a smartphone or computer, or command-line based as found on a computer’s command-line interface.

An effective user interface should possess attributes such as ease of use, visual appeal, and should provide users with clear and consistent feedback. It should also be designed in such a way that it is intuitive and efficient, making it easy for users to perform the necessary tasks with ease.

In designing a user interface, the layout, visual elements, interactions, and feedback are taken into consideration to create a satisfying and user-friendly experience with the product. The process is iterative, requiring continuous testing and improvement, as designers work in tandem with developers and stakeholders.

What is the difference between UX and UI?

UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) are two closely related yet distinct fields in design. UX design focuses on the overall feel and flow of a product, from research and prototyping to testing and iteration. It aims to understand the user needs, motivations, and behaviors and create a product that meets their goals efficiently and effectively. UX design includes aspects such as information architecture, wireframing, and usability testing.

UI design, on the other hand, focuses on the look and feel of a product. It involves designing visual elements such as colors, typography, and iconography, as well as the layout and structure of a product’s interface.

Who is a UI designer?

A UI (User Interface) designer is a professional responsible for the design of the graphical interface of a product, such as a website or application. They are responsible for creating the look and feel of the product, including the layout, typography, color palette, and visual elements such as buttons and icons.

A UI designer works closely with UX designers and developers to ensure that the interface is aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and consistent with the overall design style of the product. They may also be involved in creating and testing prototypes, as well as updating and maintaining the visual design as the product evolves.

The role of a UI designer requires a strong understanding of visual design principles, as well as the ability to create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes using design software. Good communication and collaboration skills are also important, as the UI designer must work closely with other members of the design and development teams.

Key Principles of Effective UI Design: Affordance and Feedback

Attention UI designers! When creating digital products, it’s important to keep in mind two crucial design principles: affordance and feedback.

Affordance refers to the perceived functionality of an object based on its design. For example, a button with a raised appearance and a shadow effect is perceived as something that can be clicked. On the other hand, a flat image without any raised appearance may not be perceived as clickable, and therefore not an effective affordance.

Feedback is the process of giving users clear and immediate responses to their actions within a digital product. This can come in the form of an animation, sound, or visual cue. Providing feedback lets users know that their actions have been registered and encourages continued engagement.

When designing a user interface, it’s important to keep both of these principles in mind to create a seamless user experience. #UIDesign #UserExperience #DesignPrinciples