New robot to reduce herbicide use by 95%
"Eyespot" is one of these technologies which combines many into one. It is a new research project funded by AHDB Horticulture and is looking to innovate in herbicide prevention and reducing the use of them by 95%.
The autonomous machine roams around crops, scanning and using various sensors to detect weeds. Once it has found its target it applies herbicides in droplets, in a targeted approach. This will prevent widespread herbicide use and is designed to elimate the drift of modern herbicides.
In this way the new robot could reduce the impact on surrounding plants and organisms while also keeping the soil from absorbing pesticides. The researchers are expecting trials to begin in 2018.
source: heraldscotland.com
