Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Transitional Tool for Sustainable Food Systems

The expansion of the human population, climate change, the depletion of resources, and pollution all present obstacles to the functioning of our food systems, as well as to our capacity to ensure that future generations will have adequate food and nourishment. The existing methods used in agriculture and the supply chain are one of the primary factors that contribute to these problems. Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently permeating all aspects of food systems, and the methods in which it is doing so point to the possibility of transformative system changes. As intermediaries between people, technology, and the environment, designers have a responsibility to understand and reflect on the various ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) could bring about the change that is required to advance toward sustainable food systems. In the realms of commerce, corporate operations, and governmental policy, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The intelligence of machines and robotics, empowered with the capacity for deep learning, is bringing about transformative and influential changes across all sectors of society, spanning from business to government. The food system and the various actors involved in it are a key contributor to climate change. They are also to blame for alterations in land use, the depletion of freshwater resources, and the degradation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems caused by excessive inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus. The applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing the agriculture industry and contributing to increased efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in farming practices. From using advanced technologies to monitor crop health and optimize interventions to automating various tasks and creating demand-driven supply chains, AI is making a significant impact on agriculture. It is also employed through applications that provide “augmented personalized health,” which, in turn, may better manage the food and nutrient intake of individuals with the purpose of producing healthier outcomes. There is a possibility that AI will revolutionize food systems, thereby facilitating a move toward reduced environmental consequences, higher resilience, and better health.