In a significant advancement for precision agriculture, Homburg has successfully collaborated with the Swedish startup Ekobot to develop an upgraded version of the WEAI weeding robot. This partnership emerged after Homburg took over the import of the WEAI earlier this year and became the owner of Ekobot in June. The new iteration of the robot aims to address the limitations of its predecessor, which was built on the chassis of the Thorvald, a field robot designed for mildew control using UV-C light.
The original Thorvald chassis proved inadequate for navigating the uneven terrain and deep spray tracks commonly found in onion fields, which is the primary focus of the WEAI. To overcome these challenges, the engineering teams have implemented a new chassis design featuring a pendulum system that suspends both the front and rear axles. This innovative design allows the robot to handle spray tracks as deep as 40 to 50 centimeters, ensuring that it can operate effectively across varied field conditions.
The WEAI is equipped with advanced technology to maintain precision while weeding. Cameras and a side-shift mechanism enable the weeding module to stay correctly positioned above the onion beds, with the capability to shift laterally by up to 40 centimeters. This ensures that the robot can adapt to the specific dimensions of the onion beds, which range from 1.50 to 2.25 meters wide with a row spacing of 23 centimeters. Additionally, the height of the weeding module is now adjustable electro-hydraulically, further enhancing its versatility.
Weeding efficiency has also been improved with the introduction of two distinct operational modes for the weeding fingers: a ‘soft strike’ for smaller weeds and a ‘hard strike’ for larger, more stubborn weeds. This dual-action capability allows the robot to tailor its approach based on the specific weed pressure in the field, optimizing its performance and reducing the need for chemical herbicides.
Aesthetic changes accompany the technical upgrades, with the new model now sporting a white and blue color scheme, moving away from the previous green and white design. Ekobot has stated that this change was made to differentiate their product in a market where green is a predominant color for agricultural machinery.
Weighing approximately 1,500 kilograms, the new Ekobot WEAI is designed for ease of transport, featuring a three-point hitch at the front that allows it to be lifted by a tractor for movement on public roads. This feature is particularly beneficial for farmers who need to navigate between fields efficiently.
Looking ahead, Ekobot and Homburg have ambitious plans for the future. They aim to produce 20 of these new WEAI robots for sale in the Netherlands and Sweden by 2025, with a projected purchase price ranging from €120,000 to €125,000. This price point represents a notable increase from the previous model, which was priced at €95,000, reflecting the enhanced capabilities and technology integrated into the new version.
The implications of this development are significant for farmers, particularly those cultivating onions. The enhanced weeding robot promises not only to improve weed management but also to do so in a manner that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly. By reducing reliance on chemical herbicides and increasing operational efficiency, the new Ekobot WEAI could set a new standard in precision agriculture, paving the way for smarter farming practices in the years to come.