The Solar Powered Robot From Ecorobotix That Will Change Sustainable Cotton Cultivation

Image Courtesy of Ecorobotix

The first ever completely autonomous machine for a more ecological and economical weeding of row crops, meadows and intercropping cultures.

The robot works without being controlled by a human operator.

It covers the ground just by getting its bearings and positioning itself with the help of its camera, GPS RTK and sensors. Its system of vision enables it to follow crop rows, and to detect the presence and position of weeds in and between the rows.

Two robotic arms then apply a microdose of herbicide, systematically targeting the weeds that have been detected.

Reliance on solar power makes the robot completely autonomous in terms of energy, even when the weather is overcast.

As it adapts its speed to the concentration of weeds, it is most suitable for use in fields where the level of concentration is low to moderate, in order to cover the ground at a reasonable speed.

The machine is used after an initial standard application of herbicide, in order to replace subsequent applications and thus save an important amount of herbicide. The machine can be completely controlled and configured by means of a Smartphone app.

Advantages Include :

  90% less herbicide

  100% less energy consumption

  Up to 30% less expensive than standard treatments

  Improved yield: no herbicide left on the crops

  Conserves the organic life of the soil, with limited soil compaction