Understanding the Centaur Internet-of-Crops® Solution
The Internet-of-Crops® platform is an advanced, IoT system available as an easy-to-use app, designed to optimize the management and storage of agricultural products. It integrates cutting-edge sensors, real-time data analytics, and cloud-based monitoring to provide actionable insights into grain storage conditions such as temperature, moisture, CO2, and oxygen levels.
By delivering continuous, remote monitoring and alerting, the platform helps users make informed decisions that prevent spoilage, reduce waste, and ensure the quality and safety of stored crops. The platform’s scalability makes it ideal for small farms as well as large agribusinesses, enabling enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability throughout the supply chain.
The Centaur system enhances grain storage and management by delivering real-time, data-driven insights and automation. Wireless sensors continuously monitor key storage parameters such as temperature, moisture, CO2, and oxygen levels inside any storage asset, bin or warehouse.
Centaur also offers level and quantity monitoring, providing real-time volume updates and automating the entire management process. Using cutting-edge radar technology, the system accurately measures grain levels in both bushels and metric tons. This data integrates seamlessly with Centaur’s predictive spoilage and aeration control algorithms, allowing users to automate critical processes while maintaining optimal grain conditions.
With the system’s aeration automation features, users can remotely control airflow to manage moisture level, reduce spoilage, and preserve quality. Management is made even easier through mobile phone access, where users can monitor and control storage environments on the go—making grain management a piece of cake.
By automating key tasks, Centaur helps users save time, reduce labor costs, and effortlessly maintain high-quality grain storage.
Setting up the Centaur Internet-of-Crops® platform is quick and easy. As a cloud-based solution, no on-site software installation is required. Simply sign up, create an account, and import your bins into the platform—all in under 10 minutes.
Setting up wireless, smart crop sensors in a bin or warehouse is a DIY affair. Detailed instructions are provided and no special tools are needed.
No special technical skills are required to use the Centaur Internet-of-Crops® platform. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a simple interface that allows users to monitor storage conditions, access real-time data, and control operations effortlessly.
We offer comprehensive training and support to help you get started, and the platform is accessible through web browsers and mobile devices, making it easy to manage your storage from anywhere. Whether you’re familiar with technology or new to IoT systems, Centaur’s platform provides a hassle-free experience for all users.
Yes, the Centaur Internet-of-Crops® platform integrates seamlessly with a wide range of farm management software and enterprise systems. We offer support for APIs and data formats that allow smooth data exchange, enabling users to incorporate Centaur’s real-time monitoring and insights into their existing workflows. This integration helps streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and improve overall efficiency across the farm or agribusiness.
Insights into Centaur Sensor Technology
The Centaur system offers a wide range of sensors primarily for grain quality monitoring and hazardous gas monitoring during pest treatment. These include:
- Temperature and moisture sensors to track critical grain conditions, helping to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
- CO2 and O2 sensors to detect changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, indicating potential spoilage or pest activity.
- Gas sensors to monitor hazardous gases, such as phosphine or CO2, during pest treatments, ensuring safe and effective pest control.
- Radar sensors for inventory monitoring, providing real-time data on grain levels and quantities, which helps in managing stock and preventing overfilling or shortages.
Sensors are wireless and seamlessly integrate with Centaur’s cloud-based platform, offering real-time insights to optimize grain storage and management processes.
The measurement frequency of Centaur’s sensors is fully user-configurable to meet individual storage needs. Sensors can be set to take measurements as frequently as every 30 minutes or as infrequently as every 4 hours. This flexibility allows users to balance real-time monitoring with energy efficiency, ensuring they get the right amount of data based on their specific grain management requirements.
Grain quality sensors require about 24 hours of readings to start producing analytics and estimations about the whole volume of stored grain. Grain-specific metrics, such as moisture content and product temperature are automatically produced for the sensors which are detected by the system as "in-grain". The rest of the sensors keep reporting ambient conditions.
Pest treatment sensors provide instantaneous response, but may still take 2-3 hours to accurately settle to a high concentration reading.
Centaur sensors are designed for high accuracy across a range of conditions:
- Temperature: -5 to +60°C, with an accuracy of ±0.5°C.
- Relative Humidity: 20% to 80%, with an accuracy of ±3%.
- Grain Quality CO2 Sensor: Can measure carbon dioxide concentrations up to 10,000ppm, with an accuracy of down to 0.01%. There is also an optional configuration for 0-100% CO2 measurement.
For pest treatment sensors:
- CO2 Sensor: Provides precise measurements for CO2 levels during fumigation.
- Phosphine (PH3) Sensor (0-2000ppm): Offers high accuracy at ±5% within the 100-2000ppm range.
- Phosphine (PH3) Sensor (0-20ppm): Delivers accuracy of ±10% in the 0-1ppm range.
- Oxygen (O2) Sensor: In fresh air, Centaur O2 sensors have an accuracy of 0.3%. In the 10% to 14% O2 range, accuracy decreases to 0.6%, while in the 0% to 2% O2 range, accuracy is better than 0.3%.
These specifications ensure precise monitoring for both grain quality and pest control applications.
Yes, sensors need to be calibrated at least every 2 years and preferably every year to maintain their accuracy.
At Centaur, we offer a variety of calibration services, including in-lab calibration and remote calibration services. For users with a large number of sensors, we can also provide a specially designed calibration station to make the process more efficient.
System installation
The installation of our grain quality sensors is straightforward and requires only basic tools. The sensors are designed to be installed vertically on the side wall of the bin. In most cases, there is no need for drilling, as the sensor wall mounts can utilize the existing bolts and nuts already in place. Installation is similar for other storage facilities too.
In addition to the sensors, you will need data communications equipment, such as the gateway and/or repeaters, which should be placed outside the bin—preferably on the same side as the sensors. This setup ensures a strong and reliable connection for data transmission.
In most cases, there is no need for drilling, as the sensor wall mounts can utilize the existing bolts and nuts already in place.
Yes, we offer an installation service for our sensors. The cost of installation depends on the number of bins you have.
However, installation is straightforward, and we provide complete support and guidelines for users who wish to perform the installation themselves. Our comprehensive resources ensure that even those with limited technical experience can successfully set up the system.
The sensor installation process is designed to be straightforward. Installing sensors and auxiliary equipment, such as communication devices, typically takes less than 2 hours for a 60K bushel (2K MT) bin. The system is designed to be user-friendly, minimizing downtime and ensuring that you can begin monitoring your grain conditions almost immediately.
Centaur wireless, smart crop sensors are equipped with long-lasting batteries that can operate for up to 2 years without the need for external power sources. This design enhances their versatility and ease of installation, as they can be placed in various locations without worrying about power outlets, making them ideal for remote storage facilities.
No, you do not need a nearby internet connection for the Centaur system to operate. Our telecommunication equipment comes with a preinstalled Global SIM at no extra cost. All you need is average cellular service at your location, allowing for seamless data transmission and real-time monitoring without the requirement of a local internet connection. Our team is very well versed in IT and connectivity, and can help with tailored data coverage solutions.
Centaur Internet-of-Crops® Subscription model
The Centaur Internet-of-Crops® platform is offered as Software as a Service (SaaS) basis, with wireless sensors included in the subscription. Activation fees may apply. We offer quarterly, yearly and multi-year subscription plans. Some of our plans include an extended warranty, which ensures your sensor equipment stays fresh and accurate.
CapEx billing may also be available for volume clients. Contact us at sales@centaur.ag or sign up through our website, to discuss a tailored pricing proposal.
In addition to the yearly subscription fee, there may be additional charges for installation services (if requested), specific sensor types, or optional features that go beyond the standard offerings. We prioritize transparency, so any additional costs will be clearly communicated during the purchase order process - no hidden fees with us.
Centaur offers an extended warranty for our wireless, smart crop sensors for the duration of your agreement. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures, ensuring peace of mind as you utilize our technology.
At Centaur, we aim to make your grain storage monitoring worry-free and hassle-free. That’s why we offer our solution as a Software as a Service (SaaS). This model allows us to provide ongoing support, regular updates, and access to the latest features, ensuring that you always have the best tools available for your grain management needs.
We believe the best way to deliver peace of mind and the highest quality of service is by enabling you to focus on what you do best while we take care of the technology.
Our SaaS subscription model also offers several advantages:
- Eliminate costly maintenance and repair fees, which are covered by the warranty.
- Manage your yearly budget expenses with a single annual payment.
- Stay constantly updated with the latest user enhancements via the software dashboard and notifications, reducing the need for expensive service visits.
- Benefit from constant online and telephone support that we offer.
This comprehensive approach helps you maintain efficiency and stay ahead in your operations.
Not found what you were looking for? Do not hesitate to book a meeting with our team to answer all your questions.
