In a significant advancement for agricultural technology, Ekobot has unveiled an updated version of their WEAI weeding robot, specifically designed for onion crops. This new iteration, introduced by Markus Sollenberg, marks a departure from the previous model by featuring its own unique chassis and enhanced ground clearance. The announcement comes on the heels of Homburg’s acquisition of both the distributorship and ownership rights of Ekobot, signaling a new chapter for the Swedish startup.
The most notable upgrade in the new WEAI weeding robot is its variable ground clearance, achieved through an electrically adjustable system that can raise or lower the weed detection and weeding elements by up to 50 centimeters. This flexibility is crucial for adapting to different field conditions and ensuring optimal weed removal. The robot retains the sophisticated vision system comprising nine cameras, which are essential for accurately detecting weeds amidst onion crops.
Moving away from the undercarriage supplied by Norwegian robot manufacturer Saga Robotics, Ekobot has developed its own chassis tailored to the specific needs of onion farming. During the latest demonstration, Sollenberg highlighted how the new undercarriage design improves the robot’s performance and adaptability. The vehicle is engineered to fit a bed width of 225 centimeters, with a row distance of 22.5 centimeters, making it highly compatible with typical onion farming setups.
Energy efficiency and operational longevity have also been focal points in this update. The WEAI robot is powered by two batteries with a combined capacity of 7 kWh, enabling it to operate for approximately ten hours, depending on field conditions and the density of weed growth. The robot moves at a steady pace of 500 meters per hour, or roughly 15 centimeters per second, which balances thorough weeding with efficient coverage of the field. Each finger weeder is capable of removing up to five weeds per second, ensuring that the robot can maintain a high level of productivity throughout its operational period.
However, the reliance on battery power does come with the necessity of swapping out batteries once they are depleted. This aspect of the robot’s design underscores the importance of having a ready supply of charged batteries to minimize downtime and maintain continuous operation.
The implications of these advancements are significant for the agricultural sector, particularly for onion farmers. The ability to adjust the height of the weeding elements allows the robot to tackle a variety of field conditions, potentially increasing its effectiveness and reducing the need for manual intervention. The enhanced ground clearance and custom-designed chassis also suggest improved durability and performance, which are critical for long-term use in demanding agricultural environments.
Moreover, the acquisition of Ekobot by Homburg could lead to further innovations and broader distribution of this advanced weeding technology. With Homburg’s resources and expertise, there is potential for scaling up production and making the WEAI robot more accessible to farmers worldwide.
In summary, the updated Ekobot WEAI weeding robot represents a significant step forward in agricultural robotics, offering improved functionality and adaptability for onion farming. As the agricultural industry continues to embrace automation and precision farming, innovations like these are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and sustainability.