US startup Tensorfield Agriculture is revolutionizing weed control in vegetable crops with its innovative machine, Jetty. Jetty utilizes thermal micro dosing, a technique that eradicates weeds using only heated vegetable oil. Developed based on research from the University of California and the University of Bonn, Jetty operates semi-autonomously and has the capacity to match the efficiency of a 40-person hand crew, according to Tensorfield.
Over the past two years, the Tensorfield team has dedicated their efforts to testing and refining the precision thermal weeder. Their hard work has culminated in the design and construction of a commercial unit, and the company is now set to commence commercial operations in the USA. Jetty has already gained recognition and is included in Future Farming’s robot catalogue, alongside other robotic solutions that farmers can purchase, lease, or hire in 2024.
Jetty’s capabilities extend to performing herbicide-free precision thermal weeding in high-density row crops such as carrots and spring mix. Equipped with computer vision technology, it can identify weeds among crops and precisely spray a micro-dose of organic-approved high-temperature vegetable oil onto the weeds. This targeted approach effectively kills the weeds while allowing the crops to flourish. Tensorfield claims that Jetty offers the fastest and most cost-effective method of delivering a precise lethal dose of heat energy to weeds, specifically targeting post-emergent crop foliage.
Jetty features a 22kW onboard heating system that enables it to target weeds in a standard 80-inch bed at a speed of 1.2 mph. The machine’s onboard propane burners continuously heat a recirculating food-safe thermal fluid, which in turn heats edible canola oil at the point of deposition through eight integrated heat exchanges per 80-inch bed.
In terms of mobility, Jetty boasts four independently driven and steered wheels powered by 1.5kW brushless DC motors, planetary gear reduction, and chain-sprocket final drive. Its maneuverability is enhanced by its ability to turn on the spot and move sideways, making end-of-row maneuvers effortless.
Jetty employs both propane and a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (LiFePO4) as energy sources. With a target range of 10 acres on a single fill of propane and vegetable oil, Jetty can cover one acre per hour. Tensorfield asserts that Jetty can provide growers with up to 40% savings on weeding costs compared to traditional hand-weeding methods.
The introduction of Jetty into the market signifies a significant advancement in weed control technology for vegetable crops. By harnessing the power of thermal micro dosing and computer vision, Jetty offers farmers a precise and efficient solution that reduces the reliance on herbicides. This not only benefits the environment but also improves crop yields and reduces labor costs.
As Tensorfield Agriculture begins its commercial operations in the USA, it is expected that Jetty will gain traction among farmers seeking sustainable and cost-effective weed control solutions. With its ability to deliver targeted heat energy to weeds, Jetty has the potential to transform the agricultural industry and contribute to the development of more sustainable farming practices.