Field robots zap weeds with lasers

Agriculture is the beating heart of life; not only growing the food we eat but sustaining the balance between nutrition and our finances. To ensure this balance remains possible, Innovation is essential. Agricultural robotics solutions have been developed by numerous companies to automate weed control. Whether that be through precision laser technology or through bolts of electricity, creating a sustainable and less harmful way of weeding is crucial.

Working with Ponchon SAS, igus has created an autonomous field robot that uses artificial intelligence to identify weeds and eliminate them with targeted laser beams, reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Especially in the UK, being able to withstand demanding outdoor conditions was essential so the system was designed to combine durable delta robots, guide rails and motor control technology to deliver accurate, cost-effective weeding system.

The requirement, challenge and solution

Field robot with a covered platform, large wheel and smaller front wheel in a crop field.

Requirement

We worked with Ponchon SAS to develop a field robot that provides farmers with targeted, localised weed control.

The agricultural robot uses artificial intelligence to locate weeds and burn them with a laser beam in a targeted manner. Three igus guide rails and three motors with an integrated control system were used for laser positioning.

The position commands are sent via CAN bus to burn the targeted weed. The assembly is mounted on an autonomous robot capable of moving independently in the field.

XXL delta robot, LCA-DR1000-03, shown with three articulated arms and central drive unit.

Challenge

An important requirement of the automation solution was outdoor work under complex conditions. The material is subjected to wind, rain and sun all day long, and must work at least eight hours a day. The weeding solution must also be economical and save time. The delta robot is priced affordably and can handle outdoor conditions. It can also perform two to three actions per second. This allows three rails with a 900mm stroke to weed 1.20m wide crop beds.

Solution

Low Cost Automation solutions enable organic farmers to significantly reduce their weeding costs.

Up to now, costs of less than € 1,000/ha can only be achieved with chemical solutions. This solution halves the cost of weeding. Since the robot is autonomous, the farmer can also devote himself to tasks with higher added value than manual weeding. Overall, this reduces agricultural equipment to one tenth.

Applications in use in the agricultural industry

Agricultural bearings in Lemken machines

No more wasting time with self-lubricating bearings

igus® has been successfully collaborating with Lemken since 2008. Various Lemken machines are equipped with igus plain bearings, among them the cultivator Karat 9. In the overload elements, the metal bearing points previously used had to be lubricated up to one hour per day to prevent wear and corrosion. By switching to lubrication-free polymer plain bearings, the farmer saves valuable time. Furthermore, the dirt resistance and stability of the plain bearings increase service life and dependability.

To the application

The grubber loosens the soil in the field behind the tractor.

Agricultural bearings in bale trimming machines

Heavy load up to 15 tons is made possible

Maintenance-free and resistant to dust and dirt, the iglidur® G plain bearings are used in hinges, locking systems and hydraulic cylinders of bale trimming machines from Optimal-Vertrieb Opitz. They replace red brass solutions, that were produced in-house and required both a relatively large installation space and lubricants that polluted the environment. The new polymer bearings need no lubrication and withstand all edge loads without problems.

Bale wrapping machine in use in a field.

Sumo UK Ltd chooses igus bearings in cultivation equipment

Renowned manufacturer of cultivation equipment, Sumo UK Ltd , know that engineering is fundamental to success and there is no room for error. Producing equipment that often weighs upwards of ten tonnes requires technical solutions that can take high loads frequently and with ease. This is where igus® was able to provide the perfect solution.

To the application