Robotic Weeding Takes root at FIRA USA
Carmichael, CA – A surge in agricultural robotics focused on precision weeding was on display at FIRA USA, an event showcasing the latest in farm technology.Several companies presented innovative solutions aimed at reducing labor costs and improving efficiency in vegetable and field crop production.
One standout was the SharpShooter,developed by Blue River Technology (a John Deere company). This system delivers herbicide directly to weeds next to crops, and can expand coverage by creating a spiral spray pattern up to the size of a dinner plate. The base model costs $350,000, with additional expenses for software updates tailored to specific crop identification. Leasing options are available, and over 20 units are currently operating in California, targeting crops like lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, carrots, spinach, and melons. According to Blue River’s representative, John Yagow, “We’ve had some customers that, in extreme conditions, have spent $14,000 an acre on hand weeding, so they’re already seeing great ROI (return on investment) in just a few months.”
Bonsai Robotics showcased its Amiga Flex, a modular, battery-operated robot designed for maneuverability between rows or above crops. The robot’s width and tool configuration are customizable to farmer needs, and can be operated remotely via smartphone using a Starlink connection. Arav Gupta, a sales engineer for the San Jose-based company, explained that the Amiga can assist workers by following them down rows, allowing them to simply stack collection barrels on the robot, which then autonomously transports them to processing facilities. Gupta also noted the robot’s towing capacity, stating it “can carry everything you need right to the spot you’re standing in your field” for tasks like irrigation.
Tensorfield Agriculture, based in Union City, presented the Jetty, an AI-powered weeding robot for organic vegetable crops.The Jetty utilizes thermal microjets to spray superheated vegetable oil on weeds, effectively killing them within the crop canopy. CEO and co-founder Xiong Chang reported a “76% labor reduction in hand-weeding,” leading to a rapid and substantial ROI. Currently in the prototype stage, the Jetty is operated by a human driver, with the ultimate goal of full autonomy.
Solinftec introduced Solix, a battery- and solar-powered weeding and spraying system geared towards larger-scale production of both field and specialty crops. The autonomous robot is adjustable to crop height and row width, and can accommodate tools from various manufacturers. It features an autonomous return-to-base system for refills, resuming spraying operations where it left off. Chris Dillard, a product manager for the Kansas-based company, highlighted its continuous operation, stating that Solix can “remain in the fields 24/7 monitoring crops from planting to harvest.” Their primary customers are currently corn and soybean farmers.
The event fostered a valuable exchange between technology developers and potential customers. Danilo Leao, founder and CEO of BovControl and RaizBot.AI, emphasized the importance of this interaction, noting the ”convergence of robotics and AI” as especially “most impressive.” He described FIRA as “a great way to see these tools up close,” and added, “It’s getting much more exciting.”
