In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural technology, a new player is set to make waves. Swiss agtech company Caterra, a spin-off from ETH Zurich, is gearing up to launch its fully autonomous laser-weeding robot, the Grasshopper, in 2026. This innovative machine is poised to revolutionize weed management in row crops, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
The Grasshopper is a fully electric, autonomous field robot that leverages AI-powered vision systems and laser technology to eliminate weeds. At the heart of its operation is a deep-learning algorithm that distinguishes between crops, weeds, and soil in real time. Once identified, the robot targets weeds with precise laser pulses that heat and kill them within hours, all without disturbing the soil or damaging nearby crop plants.
Weighing just 300 kg, the Grasshopper is designed for low soil compaction, with track widths of 1.5 or 1.8 meters. It boasts a battery runtime of 16 to 24 hours and a working speed of 80 meters per hour, making it suitable for continuous operation. Once field boundaries are set digitally, the robot works autonomously and safely, even at night or in poor weather, thanks to its enclosed laser system.
Ahead of its official market debut, Caterra plans to test eleven units in real-life farm conditions throughout 2025. This phase is crucial for gathering data and fine-tuning the robot’s performance across various crops and environmental conditions. The Grasshopper is already being tested in crops like carrots, onions, chicory, fennel, and spinach, with ten more crops set to be added in 2025.
The implications of this technology are significant, particularly for organic growers. Manual weeding often represents 20–50% of production costs for these farmers, especially in crops like carrots. The Grasshopper promises to reduce labor needs and eliminate the reliance on chemical herbicides, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Caterra has designed the robot to perform reliably in all weather conditions, including wet or frozen soils that conventional tractors cannot handle. This versatility has sparked strong interest from growers, with over 70 already on the Swiss waiting list. Four prototypes are currently operational, and Caterra plans to deliver 10 to 20 additional units in 2025.
As the agricultural industry continues to seek innovative solutions to age-old problems, the Caterra Grasshopper represents a promising step forward. Its potential to reduce labor costs, eliminate herbicides, and operate in challenging conditions makes it a compelling option for growers looking to embrace the future of farming. With its impending launch, the Grasshopper is set to make a significant impact on the way we manage weeds and cultivate crops.