Dutch chicory company Sensus has rolled out the red carpet for the Farmdroid FD20, a solar-powered field robot that promises to revolutionize weed control for growers. With a substantial sustainability bonus, Sensus is supporting growers who are willing to experiment with this innovative technology. A tour among early adopters reveals a mix of enthusiasm and challenges, as they strive to integrate the robotic solution into their farming practices.
The Farmdroid FD20 is a solar-powered robot tool carrier designed to seed and hoe various fine-seeded crops, including chicory, sugar beets, onions, spinach, and canola. It operates entirely on solar energy, with four panels charging two batteries that power the machine. If sunlight is insufficient during the day, additional batteries can be swapped to keep the robot running through the night. The robot seeds according to a pre-programmed fixed grid, placing seeds with great precision and remembering their exact locations. This allows it to start hoeing even before the seeds emerge, targeting weeds at their most vulnerable stage.
However, the transition to using the Farmdroid FD20 is not without its hurdles. “You can compare the acceptance of the Farmdroid to that of a robotic vacuum cleaner,” says Koos Havelaar of Dutch Farmdroid importer HAK Havelaar. “It requires a different way of looking at the task.” Unlike traditional weed control methods, the Farmdroid operates autonomously at a slow pace, covering about two and a half hectares per day. This shift in approach demands significant adjustments from growers, akin to the changes required when adopting milking robots.
Despite the challenges, the push for sustainable farming practices and the increasing pressure on chemical weed control are driving interest in the Farmdroid. Herbicide approvals are expiring, and new suitable alternatives are not readily available. This is particularly relevant for chicory growers, as chicory crops struggle to compete with weeds until they cover the soil. Sensus Agro Manager René Schunselaar notes that the first experiences with the Farmdroid in the 2022 season were promising, albeit with a steep learning curve.
To encourage adoption, Sensus has offered financial support to growers through the Groeikracht Cosun initiative, allowing them to pre-finance the purchase of a Farmdroid. Additionally, the use of the Farmdroid FD20 is now included in the conditions for qualifying for the sustainability bonus in chicory contracts. This bonus amounts to €15 per ton of chicory, or €750 per hectare at a yield of 50 tons.
One of the key advantages of the Farmdroid FD20 is its precision positioning, which sets it apart from other precision weeding technologies that rely on image recognition. “All other new hoeing or weeding technology that I know of is based on image recognition of crop and weeds,” explains Schunselaar. “The contrast of weeds with chicory is small, and image recognition does not always work perfectly. The precision positioning with which the Farmdroid works is different from other precision techniques.”
The changeable weather last spring posed additional challenges for the Farmdroid, as rain can halt the machine and crusty soil conditions can hinder hoeing. Growers are experimenting with different hoe designs to address these issues, including angle hoes that point inward from the crop row.
As the Farmdroid FD20 continues to gain traction, it represents a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture. While the transition may be challenging, the potential benefits in reducing chemical use and labor costs make it a compelling option for growers. With continued support from companies like Sensus and ongoing experimentation by early adopters, the Farmdroid FD20 could become a game-changer in the fight against weeds.