This Startup Uses AI And Inkjet Tech To Make Water Sprinklers Smarter

In the U.S., close to 9 billion gallons of water are used daily to maintain lawns. Traditional sprinkler systems are highly inefficient, often leading to wastage of up to half the water used by overwatering plants and soaking sidewalks. A Minnesota-based startup aims to solve this issue by developing a smarter watering system. Deemed as the most efficient sprinkler system on the planet and established in 2014 by Shane Dyer and Gary Klinefelter, Irrigreen has revolutionized lawn irrigation by implementing inkjet printer technology to precisely control water distribution.

Unlike traditional sprinklers with fixed spray radiuses, each Irrigreen sprinkler head boasts 14 computer-controlled nozzles that deliver water solely where necessary. This intelligent system optimizes water usage, achieving up to 50% reduction without sacrificing lawn health.

Irrigreen's smart irrigation platform utilizes an AI-powered design tool that takes a homeowner's address and, with the help of satellite imagery, maps the precise shape of their lawn. This information is then used to create a personalized irrigation plan and estimate potential water savings. As Dyer mentionedmore sidewalk spray, dead patches in the yard, harmful chemical runoff down the drain, or dodging the sprinkler on the way to work." The Irrigreen Controller 3, the newest version of the company's smart controller, allows the system to adjust in real time to weather conditions and specific plant requirements (Landscape Management). It’s less about watering on a schedule and more about watering with precision.

Digital heads cover more ground using fewer units, requiring up to 70% less digging than traditional systems that rely on numerous underground pipes and sprinkler heads. This translates to not only easier installation but also simpler maintenance for homeowners and landscapers due to fewer potential points of failure.