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Amlan Balabantaray named University of Nebraska’s inaugural robotics fellow
The Odisha native is amongst four individuals named under the 20-week fellowship program, running through May 31, 2025.
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Amlan Balabantaray / University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Nebraska Innovation Studio (NIS) has named Amlan Balabantaray, a student in agricultural engineering as a fellow in its inaugural Robotics Fellowship Program.
The program provides fellows with resources, mentorship, and funding to advance their projects. They receive access to studio facilities, a $2,500 stipend, networking opportunities, and required classes and events to support their development.
Hailing from Odisha, India, Balabantaray is developing an AI-powered agricultural robot, “See and Till,” designed to combat herbicide-resistant weeds such as Palmer amaranth, a pressing issue in agriculture.
The growing threat of weeds that resist traditional herbicides, jeopardizing crop yields and farm profitability. The “See and Till” system employs real-time image recognition to detect weeds and activate a precision mechanical control mechanism, removing them with minimal soil disturbance.
The system combines vision-based AI with a tilther assembly operated by a linear actuator, engaging only when a weed is identified. By training the AI model with over 10,000 field images, Balabantaray aims to enhance the robot’s accuracy and promote sustainable farming practices.
“With the NIS Robotics Fellowship, he aims to design, fabricate and test the “See and Till” system, an agricultural robot that would engage only when a weed is detected, adding another tool for sustainable ag practices,” a statement said.
“I've been blown away by the response to this program — I think that's emblematic of the progress Nebraska has made in becoming a hub for innovators, creators and builders,” program coordinator for NIS robotics John Strope said. “This inaugural cohort showcases the incredible potential within Nebraska — a future where big ideas take root right here and have room to thrive.”
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