There are many innovative automated weeding technologies coming out of Europe. One of these is ARA, the high precision, smart spot sprayer being developed by Ecorobotix[1] (Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland). Early prototypes were solar powered, autonomous robots that used a spider-like, three-axis delta robot to precisely deliver herbicides to target weeds (Fig. 1). The company has since moved on to a much simpler solution – a fixed boom, tractor pulled implement (Fig. 2). The 19.7’ wide smart sprayer is equipped with 156 individually controlled spray nozzles spaced 1.6” resulting in a spot spray resolution of 5.6 inch2 (2.4 x 2.4 inch). The claimed travel speed is 4.5 mph equating to a work rate of 10 ac/hr. The machine uses computer imaging and artificial intelligence for crop/weed differentiation to identify and target weeds. AI weeding models have been developed for a variety of crops including several vegetable crops – onion, lettuce and spinach. In addition to weed control, the smart sprayer can be used to spot apply beneficial products to only the crop plant. A company video showing the device operating in onion crops can be found by clicking here or on the image below.
As I have mentioned before, robotic and automated weeding technologies are advancing at a very rapid pace. If you know of a new technology that would be of interest and appropriate for this newsletter, please feel free to contact me.
Fig. 1. Solar powered autonomous weeding robot developed by Ecorobotix,
Switzerland. The unit is equipped with three-axis delta robot arms to precisely
deliver herbicides to target weeds (Photo credit – Ecorobotix).
Fig 2. Precision weeding machine developed by Ecorobotix, Switzerland. The unit
is equipped with individually controllable spray nozzles mounted on a 19.7’ wide
spray boom to spot spray weeds (Photo credit – Ecorobotix).
Fig. 3. Precision spray boom comprising 156 spray nozzles for spot spraying
weeds. Spot spray resolution is 2.4 x 2.4 inches. (Photo credit – Ecorobotix,
Switzerland).
[1] Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
