Garford Farm Machinery has made a significant advancement in agricultural technology with the launch of its next-generation vision guidance system, Robocrop AI, at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London. This cutting-edge system promises to revolutionize mechanical hoeing and weed control, which are critical for sustainable farming practices. The introduction of Robocrop AI marks a pivotal moment in precision agriculture, offering farmers enhanced capabilities to manage crops efficiently while minimizing operational costs.
The Robocrop AI InRow option, developed by a dedicated team of mechatronic, software, and data engineers at Garford, is designed to deliver higher uptime and increased capacity. One of the standout features of this new system is its ability to perform ‘green on green’ plant recognition, a significant improvement over traditional methods that rely solely on color differentiation. This innovative approach utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze multiple data streams, including color, infrared, and depth information, allowing for precise identification of crop plants and their stem locations amidst the surrounding weeds.
Jonathan Henry, Managing Director of Garford Farm Machinery, emphasizes the transformative nature of this technology. “Green on green plant recognition is a step change from the green on brown system that uses color only. This new system uses multiple different data streams from the camera, and is able to then identify crop plants and distinguish those from weeds or non-crop plants,” he explains. This advancement enables farmers to hoe closer to their crops, effectively increasing weed control efficacy and ultimately enhancing the value of their operations.
The multi-modal camera system is a key differentiator for Robocrop AI, setting it apart from other artificial intelligence solutions in the market. By integrating infrared cameras with color imaging and depth analysis, the system can accurately detect stem locations, even when leaves overlap. This capability is particularly beneficial in fields with varying light conditions and weed pressures, ensuring that farmers maintain precision in their operations regardless of environmental challenges. “Using multiple data streams means that, if for example due to weather conditions the operator is going out late and the weed pressure has intensified, you can still identify the crop plants and hoe with high precision,” adds Mr. Henry.
Initially available for the 2025 Garford InRow electric rotor weeders, the Robocrop AI system will support salad, brassica, and sugar beet crops. The first iteration features single section steering systems and options for single and double camera configurations. Additionally, the system includes a 10.1” terminal with a user-friendly interface that displays live stream images and allows for sideshift positioning, enhancing the operator’s control and visibility during fieldwork.
The implications of this technology are profound. With the agricultural sector increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency, Robocrop AI offers a promising solution to the challenges of weed management. By reducing the need for chemical herbicides and enabling more precise mechanical weeding, farmers can improve their environmental footprint while maintaining crop yields. As the industry continues to evolve, innovations like Garford’s Robocrop AI will play a crucial role in shaping the future of farming.
At the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, Jonathan Henry will further discuss the integration of data, equipment, and precision farming during a panel session titled ‘Integrating Data, Equipment & Precision: Sustainable Farming and Enhanced ROI.’ This platform will provide insights into how such advancements can lead to enhanced returns on investment for farmers, reinforcing the importance of innovation in the agricultural landscape. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, technologies like Robocrop AI will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the agricultural revolution.