US startup Tensorfield Agriculture is revolutionizing weed control in vegetable crops with its innovative machine, Jetty. Based on research from the University of California and the University of Bonn, Jetty uses heated vegetable oil to eradicate weeds. This groundbreaking technology is set to transform the agricultural industry by providing a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional herbicides.
Jetty operates semi-autonomously, with each machine plus operator having the same throughput as a 40-person hand crew, according to Tensorfield. After two years of rigorous testing and refinement, the company has successfully designed and built a commercial unit. Tensorfield is now ready to launch its commercial operations in the USA, marking a significant milestone for the startup.
Jetty’s capabilities are particularly impressive in high-density row crops such as carrots and spring mix. Using computer vision, the machine identifies weeds among the crops and sprays a micro-dose of organic-approved high-temperature vegetable oil onto the weeds with sub-cm precision. This targeted approach effectively kills the weeds while allowing the crops to flourish. Tensorfield claims that Jetty delivers the fastest and most cost-effective method of eliminating weeds by delivering a precise lethal dose of heat energy.
Equipped with a 22kW onboard heating system, Jetty can target weeds in a standard 80-inch bed at a speed of 1.2 mph. The machine utilizes propane burners to continuously heat a recirculating food-safe thermal fluid, which then heats edible canola oil at the point of deposition via eight integrated heat exchanges per 80-inch bed. This innovative heating mechanism ensures efficient and precise weed control.
Jetty’s design also prioritizes maneuverability and energy efficiency. With four independently driven and steered wheels powered by 1.5kW brushless DC motors, the machine can turn on the spot and move sideways for easy end-of-row maneuverability. Jetty uses a combination of propane and a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery as an energy source, enabling it to cover up to 10 acres on a single fill of propane and vegetable oil. With a coverage rate of one acre per hour, Jetty offers significant time and cost savings compared to traditional hand-weeding methods.
Tensorfield claims that Jetty can deliver growers up to 40% savings on weeding costs, making it an attractive solution for farmers looking to optimize their operations. By reducing reliance on herbicides, Jetty also offers environmental benefits by promoting sustainable farming practices.
Jetty’s inclusion in Future Farming’s robot catalog further highlights its potential as a game-changing technology in the agricultural sector. As farmers explore more efficient and eco-friendly solutions, Jetty’s herbicide-free precision thermal weeding system presents a compelling option.
With its commercial launch in the USA, Tensorfield Agriculture is poised to disrupt the weed control market and pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in agriculture. By harnessing the power of thermal micro dosing, Jetty offers a groundbreaking solution that combines precision, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.