Climate change is threatening wine production, with many grape-growing regions seeing less rainfall or increased temperatures that could threaten harvests around the world.
A new report highlights how AI can be used to adapt to these new conditions as well as point to how the ancient ritual of wine drinking could be shaken up in the coming years for everyone from sommeliers to pub drinkers.
Report author and Director of Swinburne’s Centre for Design Innovation, Professor Jeni Paay, says wine has been an important part of people’s lives for more than 8,000 years but is at risk if action is not taken.
“Emerging technologies need to go from Silicon Valley to Barossa Valley if the wine industry is going to survive climate change, consumer behaviour shifts and other global challenges.”
“When it comes to supporting the longevity and economic survival of wine, we are making it our business to understand how emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, robots, drones and AI can make a difference.”
“Designing environmental, monetary and cultural changes that positively impact wine consumers and connoisseurs is key to not only preserving the industry but enhancing it.”
For industry, promising environmental AI tactics featured in the report include:
Smart environmental sensor systems that can assist grape growers and winemakers in crop maintenance
AI systems that interpret weather and growing data to suggest timely growing techniques,
Decision-making support for adding sustainable practices to the harvesting, winemaking, bottling, and distribution processes, and
Digital designs for supporting, celebrating, and exhibiting the creative processes (art) of the winemaker.
Professor Paay says AI also has the capacity to influence winemaking and transform the experience of enjoying wine.
Her report also recomm
