Pixelfarming Robotics to target UK with autonomous weeder

Dutch firm Pixelfarming Robotics has its sights set on the UK market as it looks to expand sales of its autonomous, chemical-free weeding device.

Dubbed Robot One, it is able to detect and classify plants using four stereoscopic depth cameras and predictive plant-growth models.

The information provided by these can be transformed into a 3D depth map of the terrain and, combined with computer vision, allows each of the individual arms to operate within millimetres of the plant without damaging it.

See also: Solar-powered robot drills and weeds on Shropshire farm

These 10 robotic arms are individually adjustable to suit different row widths and working depths, and can also host a number of different attachments, including hoes, cultivators and harrows.

Robot One can be operated manually from a remote control, or autonomously on a pre-set route via RTK guidance.

Power comes from five solar panels that sit atop the powder-coated steel frame. These recharge the lithium-ion batteries throughout the day, generating enough energy for a day’s work and providing up to 500Nm of torque to each wheel. Top speed is a stately 1m/sec (3.6kph).

The system is currently only available in the Netherlands and costs €205,000 (£171,000), but the company hopes to move into the UK and the rest of Europe in the near future.