Cornell reported on 14 September 2026 that HyperBird can identify early changes associated with grape powdery and downy mildew. The laboratory platform combines microscopic detail with hyperspectral imaging, recording many narrow wavelength bands to examine disease development in leaf samples.
Researchers describe studies covering disease detection, breeding related traits and evaluation of fungicide treatments. The system extends earlier Blackbird imaging technology and can process hundreds of samples within several hours. Technicians still collect small leaf discs manually, a step the team is working to automate.
The researchers are collaborating with Moblanc Robotics on manufacturing. The announcement concerns research instrumentation and does not establish an autonomous vineyard scouting product.
