Robot Raggy Taking on One of Farming’s Most Persistent Weed Problems
Robotriks' autonomous robot Raggy is entering final testing at Dorset Innovation Park, aiming to eradicate ragwort—a toxic weed that threatens livestock and incurs heavy labor costs. The robot uses AI‑driven machine vision to locate and uproot ragwort, operating on a 24‑hour battery and costing roughly £7,000 (about $8,900), far cheaper than comparable systems. Backed by Qualcomm’s Good Initiative, Dorset Council, and a regional £20 million ($25 million) autonomy fund, Raggy will soon be trialed across farms in the county. Its modular platform also promises future tasks such as precision spraying and autonomous planting.
The Art(s) of Laser Weeding Demystified: Laser Expert Matthias Lautenschläger Explains
Matthias Lautenschläger, a German photonics engineer, breaks down laser weeding for Future Farming. He explains that a high‑intensity laser creates a localized thermal dose—exceeding 120 °C for milliseconds—at the weed’s meristem, causing cell rupture and desiccation. The technology relies on diode,...
Former Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess Develops Electric Tractor
Former Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess is launching DIESS E‑Agrartechnik, an electric mid‑range tractor slated for 2027. The machine will feature a battery‑swapping system, a reversible operator’s station, and compatibility with implements such as mowers, loaders and snow ploughs. Diess claims the tractor...
EPropelled Launches New Integrated Propulsion Unit for Agricultural Drones
ePropelled has introduced an integrated propulsion and power unit tailored for agricultural drones, combining brushless motors, electronic speed controllers, and intelligent power management. The system promises higher thrust density, extended flight times, and robust performance in dusty, chemical‑exposed environments. Market...
Ropa Introduces Automatic Steering System for Potato Harvesters
German equipment maker Ropa has launched an automatic steering system for its trailed Keiler 2 RK22 potato harvester. The ‘intelligent trail steering system’ autonomously controls the steered axle, calculating speed and steering angle to follow the tractor’s path precisely, even in reverse....
U.S. Sugar Deploys Autonomous John Deere Tractor Fleet Across 255,000 Acres
U.S. Sugar has launched the largest commercial deployment of autonomous tractors in the U.S. sugar industry, fielding four John Deere 8R and one 9R tractor equipped with Autonomous Solutions Inc.’s Vehicle Automation Kit. The fleet operates 24/7 across its 255,000‑acre...
Cropr Introduces Autonomous Laser Weeder
Cropr, a spin‑off from H2L Robotics, launched the Cropr Weedr, an autonomous laser weeder equipped with ten laser modules and AI‑driven weed recognition. The machine, powered by a diesel generator, can run 24 hours a day and is priced at under...
TerraGrid Monitors RTK Signal and Warns of Disruptions
TerraGrid has launched a nationwide, cloud‑based NTRIP network that delivers centimetre‑level RTK corrections to tractors, mowers and other precision‑farming machines across the Netherlands. The service monitors signal quality in real time and alerts users when the RTK fix weakens, even...
Escarda Starts Series Production of AI Laser Weeder After Acquisition
Berlin‑based Escarda Technologies, now fully owned by Berlin Industrial Group (B.I.G.), is moving into series production of its AI‑powered laser weeder. The system blends high‑resolution cameras, AI plant recognition and Class‑1 laser technology to eliminate weeds in real time without...
Mathematical Models Help Farm Robots Work Together in Real Time
Researchers at the Dutch University of Groningen have unveiled the FARMLAB project, which uses mathematical control systems instead of data‑heavy AI to coordinate drones and ground robots in agriculture. The approach leverages systems‑and‑control theory to predict and synchronize robot movements...
Weeding Robot Part of Integrated Weed Management
Wageningen University & Research’s 2025 field trial in Valthermond tested three autonomous weeding machines—Ekobot, Andela Electro Weeder, and Ecorobotix Ara spot sprayer—within an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) framework for direct‑drilled onions. Full chemical control still produced the highest yields, while...
Autonomous Tractors: Technology Is Ready, but Farmers Remain Cautious
Autonomous tractors are technically ready, with GP Solutions’ iQuus retrofit kit already powering about 40 tractors across Europe and Australia. Yet Dutch farmers remain skeptical after previous over‑hyped promises and costly failures, such as a €0.5 million ($540,000) spot sprayer that proved...
Kubota Tests UV-C Machines as an Alternative to Crop Protection Products
Kubota is piloting UV‑C machines that emit pulsed ultraviolet light to strengthen crops' natural defenses, aiming to cut reliance on chemical fungicides. The technology damages microbial DNA and raises salicylic acid levels, improving resistance to fungal disease, frost, and drought....
GOFAR Tour with Field Day in Spain Attracts 900 Industry Professionals
The GOFAR Tour 2026 held its second field day at John Deere’s Parla Innovation Centre near Madrid, drawing more than 900 industry professionals. Over 350 farmers attended to assess whether autonomous robotics can fit into their daily operations. The showcase...
Robot OSCAR Brings Automation to Irrigation and Nutrient Application
Osiris Agriculture has launched OSCAR, a field robot that automates row‑crop irrigation and fertigation. The four‑wheel platform can deploy a 900‑metre polyethylene pipe and a 44‑metre foldable boom that delivers water at one‑metre intervals, covering about 40 hectares per week....