Controlling weeds remains a critical aspect of vegetable production, and with rising labor costs and shortages, farmers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions. At the 2025 FIRA USA agricultural technology event held last month in Woodland, weeding robots took center stage, offering a glimpse into the future of automated weed management.
The event brought together over 80 vendors showcasing agricultural robotics and autonomous systems across two exhibition halls, four outdoor demonstration zones, and two stages for panel discussions. While vegetable crops were a primary focus, some vendors also targeted trees and vines. The technology on display was not just about automation but also about precision and efficiency, promising to cut costs and improve profitability for farmers.
Colusa County farmer Mitchell Yerxa, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements. “The need to stay up on the technology is paramount, especially if I want to maintain profitability in tough economic times,” Yerxa said. He found the event invaluable for understanding what technologies are currently available and what might be on the horizon. “It’s always fascinating to get an up-close look at the technologies that are coming our way,” he added.
Yerxa highlighted the importance of direct interactions between growers and tech innovators. These conversations allowed him to assess the costs and affordability of new innovations based on the specific needs of different types of growers. With California farmers facing depressed commodity markets, the timing of these investments is crucial. “We have to be sure that our purchases improve our profitability,” Yerxa noted. Despite the initial costs, he believes that farms will continue to reduce their labor pool and turn to ag tech to do more with less.
One of the standout implementations at the event was the SharpShooter system from Hayward-based Verdant Robotics. This tractor attachment uses AI to identify weeds and deliver precise, controlled sprays without harming the cash crop. The system’s “aim and apply” technology allows for pinpoint accuracy, even under leaves, and can adjust spray volume based on the size of each target. “We’re delivering milliliter streams of liquid onto the weed,” said Chad Yagow, Verdant’s director of agronomy and industry relations. The SharpShooter can deliver herbicide right next to the crop and adjust its nozzles to create a radius spiral of spray as needed. With more than 20 units already in operation in California, farmers are seeing significant returns on investment, especially in crops like lettuce, broccoli, and melons.
Bonsai Robotics debuted its battery-operated Amiga Flex, a modular platform designed for easy maneuverability between rows or above crops. The robot can be controlled via smartphone and operated from anywhere in the world using a Starlink connection. Arav Gupta, a sales engineer for the San Jose-based company, highlighted the robot’s ability to follow workers down the row, eliminating the need for manual labor. The Amiga can also tow implements, making it versatile for various tasks such as irrigation.
Union City-based Tensorfield Agriculture showcased the Jetty, an AI-powered precision weeding robot for organic vegetable crops. Using thermal microjets to spray superheated vegetable oil on weeds, the Jetty has demonstrated a 76% reduction in hand-weeding labor. Xiong Chang, the company’s CEO and co-founder, noted that the robot is currently operated by a human driver but will eventually become fully autonomous.
Solinftec introduced Solix, a battery- and solar-powered weeding and spraying system designed for larger-scale production. The autonomous robot can be adjusted to crop height and row width and accepts a variety of tools. Chris Dillard, a product manager for the Kansas-based company, highlighted the robot’s ability to monitor crops from planting to harvest, operating 24/7 without the need for breaks.
The event provided a unique opportunity for agricultural technology leaders to engage directly with potential customers. This exchange of information is crucial for both farmers and tech innovators, ensuring that the technologies being developed meet the real needs of the agricultural community. Danilo Leao, founder and CEO of BovControl and RaizBot.AI, praised the convergence of robotics and AI, noting that FIRA USA offers a valuable platform for seeing these tools up close. “It’s getting much more exciting,” he said, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and potential of agricultural technology.