In the heart of Germany, near the border with the Netherlands, the Straeten family has been cultivating a unique approach to farming that is as innovative as it is effective. The family’s business, Straeten Gemüsebau & Kräuter, has been leveraging the power of technology to transform their open field vegetable and herb farm. At the center of this transformation is the Kilter AX-1 spot sprayer, an autonomous robot that has been a game-changer for the farm since its introduction in April 2025.
The Straeten family’s journey with the Kilter spot sprayer began with a simple goal: to improve weed control in their crops. Traditionally, their weed management involved a combination of chemical and mechanical methods, supplemented by manual labor. However, this approach was not only labor-intensive but also less than enjoyable for the workers. The Kilter spot sprayer has significantly alleviated this burden. The robot, developed by Kilter Systems in Norway, is a self-propelled unit equipped with ‘single drop technology’ and artificial intelligence (AI). It identifies weeds using cameras and applies a precise droplet of herbicide directly onto the detected weed, leaving the surrounding crops untouched.
Christoph Straeten, who runs the farm with his wife Steffi, sister Katrin, and brother-in-law Thomas, has been pleased with the results. “The Kilter saves 90% on herbicides and replaces difficult and less enjoyable work,” he says. The robot’s precision not only reduces herbicide use but also minimizes the risk of residues in the harvested crops. This is particularly important as the EU steers towards using fewer active substances per hectare and lower Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) standards.
The Kilter spot sprayer’s impact on the farm’s operations has been substantial. It has reduced the need for manual labor, which previously required at least 50 hours per hectare. The robot’s capacity to cover 5 to 7 hectares per day has made it an efficient addition to the farm’s operations. Moreover, its lightweight construction allows it to be easily transported and deployed without causing structural damage to the soil, even after rain.
The investment in the Kilter spot sprayer is high, with a price tag of €120,000, plus an annual subscription for service and support. However, Straeten believes the investment pays off. The annual savings on labor and herbicides, coupled with the decrease in weed pressure, mean the investment is recouped within a few years. “That is why it is very good that robots will increasingly take over work in our crops autonomously and 24/7 in the future,” he says.
The Kilter spot sprayer’s success at Straeten Gemüsebau & Kräuter highlights the potential of agritech innovations to transform traditional farming practices. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the integration of autonomous robots like the Kilter AX-1 spot sprayer could become a cornerstone of sustainable and efficient farming. The Straeten family’s experience serves as a testament to the benefits of embracing technological advancements in agriculture, paving the way for a future where precision and sustainability go hand in hand.