The University of Nairobi proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Dr. Frankline Mwiti, a PhD graduate from the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering, whose research has been published in the globally renowned journal Nature Scientific Reports. His publication, co-authored with Prof. Ayub Gitau (Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs), Dr. Duncan Mbuge, Dr. Diogenes L. Antille, and Dr. Jitendra Khatti, represents a significant breakthrough at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable agriculture.

The research titled “Assessment of off-road agricultural traction in situ using large scale machine learning and neurocomputing models” explores the use of advanced neuro-cognitive systems-deep neural networks and artificial neural networks-to accurately predict tractive force (FTr) in off-road agricultural environments. By training 72 different neurocomputing architectures using 12 machine learning algorithms, the team developed highly accurate models capable of real-time decision-making in autonomous farming systems.

The full research article is available online via Nature Scientific Reports:

Assessment of off-road agricultural traction in situ using large scale machine learning and neurocomputing models | Scientific Reports