Robot weed control systems are gradually finding their way into Flemish agriculture, driven by the phasing out of crop protection chemicals and the need for more site-specific and mechanical weed control. This transition, while necessary for sustainable farming, is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, robotic systems promise to offset some of this burden. The new Interreg project AgRoBoConnect is at the forefront of assisting farmers with this shift, aiming to implement and evaluate various robotic systems in real-world agricultural settings.
In recent years, restrictions on the use of herbicides have become so stringent that maintaining weed-free crops has become increasingly challenging. Farmers are thus compelled to seek alternative and sustainable methods for effective weed control. One promising solution lies in site-specific applications of herbicides, where advanced systems detect and target weeds with precision. For instance, some applications use cameras to capture field images, which are then analyzed by AI models to identify weed presence. A controlled spray nozzle then selectively applies herbicides only where weeds are detected, potentially saving up to 90% on crop protection chemicals, depending on field conditions.
To facilitate the practical evaluation of these agricultural robots, test platforms are being established in Flanders (Inagro), Wallonia (CRA-W), and France (Arvalis and Chambre d’agriculture de la Somme). These platforms will integrate, test, and evaluate various robotic systems within existing cultivation frameworks. Notable examples include the Robotti implement carrier, the Odd.bot weeding robot, and the ARA Ecorobotix. Farmers and researchers from these regions will collaboratively select the most beneficial robots for field implementations.
“By bringing together farmers, advisors, robotics companies, and researchers, AgRoboConnect ensures that the technologies meet the real needs of the agricultural sector in the cross-border region. One of the goals is to identify the bottlenecks for implementation,” explains Jan Vanwijnsberghe, a researcher in smart crop protection techniques at Inagro.
Mechanical weed control is another viable option, though it demands more labor per hectare, is less efficient, and often requires multiple passes to manage weeds effectively. In-crop row weeding is particularly challenging and usually necessitates labor-intensive manual follow-up. This method also requires specialized skills for both the manpower and equipment, and its success is highly dependent on weather conditions. The shortage of skilled labor in the agricultural sector further complicates the implementation of mechanical weed control. Additionally, in conventional agriculture, the extra costs associated with this method are not sufficiently offset by higher selling prices, jeopardizing profitability.
Robotic solutions present a promising alternative to these challenges. A (fully or partially) robotic system can alleviate the labor issue by reducing the need for highly qualified personnel. Fully autonomous systems can further decrease personnel requirements. These advanced techniques for detecting and managing weed pressure have become increasingly efficient over the years, yet their implementation remains limited due to cost, alternative working methods, and a steep learning curve.
To address these barriers, cross-border exchange sessions for farmers, researchers, and students are being organized to enhance knowledge sharing and collaboration between Flanders, Wallonia, and France. These sessions will be complemented with demonstrations and workshops aimed at preparing participants for the implementation of robotic systems. These activities are designed to foster a deeper understanding and practical skills, facilitating smoother adoption and more effective use of new technologies in agriculture across the regions.
The AgRoBoConnect project represents a significant step forward in integrating robotic systems into Flemish agriculture, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainable and efficient weed control is within reach.