Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the agricultural industry, with an increasing number of precision weeders incorporating this technology. At the recent Agritechnica 2023 trade fair, start-ups Digital Workbench, Farm-ING, Eidam, and Feldklasse showcased their electric or mechanically driven autonomous vehicles equipped with camera technology.
Digital Workbench, a German start-up with a background in the automotive sector, presented its Tipard 1800 field robot. This innovative machine promises to streamline weed control in agricultural fields. By utilizing AI and camera technology, the Tipard 1800 can identify and target weeds with precision, reducing the need for chemical herbicides and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Austrian start-up Farm-ING focuses on developing tools for environmentally friendly agriculture. Their camera-controlled side shift for hoes was their first product, followed by an electrically powered in-row hoe and a spot sprayer. While the spot sprayer is still undergoing further development and testing, it holds promise as an effective tool for targeted weed control.
Eidam Landtechnik, another start-up, showcased a mechanical precision weeder as an alternative to spot sprayers or laser weeders. Known as InnoMade, Eidam’s range includes conventional tools such as knife rollers, disc harrows, and a weed harrow. The test setup displayed at Agritechnica demonstrated the effectiveness of their cutting rollers in combating small weeds. This concept is particularly suitable for smaller plants like potato volunteers.
In-row weeders are gaining popularity in the market, and German start-up Feldklasse is at the forefront of this trend. Since 2017, they have been developing tools specifically for mechanical weed control in vegetable cultivation. Their electrically powered in-row weeder, Zurama, has been well-received by larger scale arable farmers. In 2022, Feldklasse achieved an impressive turnover of €1,100,000, highlighting the demand for sustainable and efficient weed control solutions.
The emergence of these start-ups and their innovative weed control technologies signifies a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. By harnessing the power of AI and advanced camera technology, farmers can precisely target and eliminate weeds, reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes healthier crops and higher yields.
Furthermore, the development of autonomous vehicles equipped with precision weeders streamlines the labor-intensive task of weed control. These vehicles can operate autonomously, saving farmers valuable time and resources. The integration of AI in agriculture is transforming traditional farming methods and paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.
As the agricultural industry continues to embrace AI and autonomous technologies, it is crucial for farmers to stay informed about the latest advancements. The Agritechnica trade fair serves as a platform for start-ups to showcase their innovations and for farmers to explore new solutions for their weed control needs. With precision weeders becoming increasingly accessible, farmers have the opportunity to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future in agriculture.