Pitla honored with young designer award

July 20, 2016

Lincoln, Neb. — Santosh Pitla, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was honored with the 2016 Sunkist Young Designer Award at the annual meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) on July 20 in Orlando, Florida. 

Pitla teaches courses in both agricultural engineering and mechanized system management. He also leads the advanced machinery systems lab. Pitla's research focuses on agricultural robotics, machine data acquisition analytics, software application development and techno-economics of advanced machinery systems. His work related to control architectures of individual robots and multi-robot systems aids in the deployment of autonomous field machinery in field production settings. 

"We need driverless tractors to become mainstream before driverless cars," Pitla said. "More resources have to be invested in automating agricultural field operations to produce food, fiber and fuel for an increasing population in the most efficient way possible. Highly automated agricultural machinery will hold the key to produce more, by optimal application of crop inputs while minimizing seed, fertilizer and chemical losses with negligible environmental implications." 

Pitla is an 11-year member of ASABE and is extensively involved in ASABE technical committees. He has provided leadership in both the soil-plant-machine dynamics and the soil dynamics research committees. Pitlas has also served as a moderator for several technical sessions at ASABE meetings and supports student activities. He designed the 2011 ASABE robotics competition. 

Established in 1972, this award recognizes and honors ASABE members under 40 years of age, for outstanding contributions to the advancement of the profession and to stimulate professional achievement. 

Sponsored by Sunkist Growers, Inc., the Sunkist Young Designer Award specifically honors the development of a technical plan that influences agricultural engineering progress, as evidenced by use in the field. 

Pitla was awarded with an engraved walnut plaque at the meeting.