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 utilizes heated vegetable oil to eradicate weeds, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional herbicides.
Jetty operates semi-autonomously, with each machine plus operator equivalent to the productivity of a 40-person hand crew, according to Tensorfield. After two years of testing and refinement, the company has successfully designed and built a commercial unit, marking the beginning of its operations in the USA.
Jetty’s inclusion in Future Farming’s robot catalogue further solidifies its status as a game-changer in the industry. It joins a wide range of other robot propositions that farmers can purchase, lease, or hire in 2024.
In particular, Jetty excels in precision thermal weeding for high-density row crops like carrots and spring mix. Using computer vision technology, it can identify weeds among crops and spray a micro-dose of organic-approved high-temperature vegetable oil onto the weeds with sub-cm precision. This effectively kills the weeds while allowing the crops to thrive.
According to Tensorfield, Jetty offers the fastest and most cost-effective method of delivering a precise lethal dose of heat energy to weeds. By targeting the weed in a post-emergent crop foliage, Jetty ensures targeted and efficient weed control.
The machine is equipped with a powerful 22kW onboard heating system, allowing it to effectively target weeds in a standard 80-inch bed at a speed of 1.2 mph. 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.
Jetty’s design includes four independently driven and steered wheels, powered by 1.5kW brushless DC motors, planetary gear reduction, and chain-sprocket final drive. This configuration enables the machine to maneuver easily, even at the end of rows.
To power its operations, Jetty relies on a combination of propane and a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (LiFePO4). With a target range of 10 acres on one fill of propane and vegetable oil, Jetty can cover one acre per hour.
Tensorfield claims that Jetty can deliver growers up to 40% savings on weeding costs compared to traditional hand-weeding methods. This cost-effectiveness, combined with its eco-friendly approach, positions Jetty as an attractive solution for farmers looking to optimize their weed control practices.
In conclusion, Tensorfield Agriculture’s Jetty represents a significant leap forward in weed control for vegetable crops. By harnessing the power of heated vegetable oil and advanced computer vision technology, Jetty offers a precise, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional herbicides. With its commercial operations now underway in the USA, Jetty has the potential to revolutionize weed control practices in the agricultural industry.