A Rutgers University scientist, Thierry Besançon, is taking up the challenge by harnessing artificial intelligence and light energy to provide an alternative to traditional herbicides. 

The Rutgers Laser Weeding machine recently underwent field trials in New Jersey. This was a key site as many specialty vegetable farmers often bear the brunt of weeds due to the lack of or limited number of approved herbicides.

The results? The laser weeding technology performed just as well as well-known herbicides, and, in some cases, allowed the crops to experience better growth.  

How the Rutgers Laser Weeder Works

As Besançon puts it, it’s pure physics. “There’s no herbicide involved. It’s just light energy targeting the weeds,” he adds. 

The machine is fitted with artificial intelligence technology that assists in differentiating between desirable crops and weeds. Once a weed is correctly identified, a laser is deployed to kill the weed. 

“We had weeds growing just half a centimeter from the crop seedlings, and there was no laser damage to the crops. It’s extremely precise,” the weed science specialist explains. 

While the machine is not fully autonomous and requires a trained professional to operate, it is a step in the right direction and has not gone unnoticed.

Stephen O. Duke, a veteran weed scientist from the University of Mississippi, hailed the technology as one of the most important agricultural innovations of this century. 

He praises the test trials for providing convincing evidence that the technology of artificial intelligence-guided lasers may soon revolutionize weed control in the developed world. 

The New Age of Weed Control

Many farmers have welcomed the laser weeder technology, with some even willing to purchase the machine. 

While there are a few hurdles that remain, such as its high starting price ($500,000), its ability to only work on short-season crops, and when the weeds are small, its benefits far outweigh the setbacks. 

The Rutgers laser weeder eliminates the use of chemicals, protecting people and the environment, and helps overcome the challenges of the increasing herbicide-resistant weeds. 

Thierry is hopeful that as the technology advances, it will become more affordable for more specialty and organic farmers. 

Ultimately, the eco-friendly laser weeding technology is at the forefront of transforming weed management, and according to Besançon, the rollout of this Rutgers machine is just the beginning. 

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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But thanks to AI and field robotics, farmers can now eliminate 200,000 weeds per hour. 

Carbon Robotics, an agricultural technology company developed and launched an innovative AI-powered weeding technology named Laserweeder. The robot is pulled by a tow tractor and using high-power lasers, computer vision, and robotics eradicates weeds without harming the crops and soil.

The company’s founder and CEO Paul Mikessel elaborates: “The Laserweeder uses technology to identify, target, and kill weeds by firing a laser at the meristem, ultimately killing them.”

In comparison, a laborer can weed an acre of crop per hour while the LaserWeeder can weed two acres per hour and eliminate 200,000 weeds. Impressively, the smart robot can work day and night and in all weather conditions.

The AI-powered weeding robot has been used in many specialty crop farms across the country for over three years, and the Laserweeders are making many farmers happy. 

While the company has not shared the exact price of the robot weeder, Mikesell has been quoted saying the cost is similar to a mid-sized tractor which could range between $25,000 to $50,000. 

What Benefits Does The LaserWeeder Offer?

Here are the benefits the robot weeder will bring to your farm: 

1. Weed Management Automation

Laser weeding technology automates one of the most time-consuming tasks on any farm, weeding. 

2. Efficiency

The technology identifies and eliminates every weed in any soil, promoting a healthier crop yield.

3. Money Savings

Laserweeders reduce the overall cost of manual labor, herbicides, and fertilizers by nearly 80%. The company also predicts the robot weeder can pay itself in 2-3 years. 

4. Sustainable Natural Weed Control Method

Laser weeding is an effective and more realistic natural weed management strategy that does not interfere with the crop and soil. Many farmers can now invest in growing organic crops.

Integrating the weeding technology in a farm promotes efficiency and consistency in daily operations allowing farmers to plan appropriately and enjoy bumper harvests.

To purchase the laserweeder, you need to fill out the sales form on the company’s website. Their team will contact you for further directions. 

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

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