Country: Bulgaria
Focus area:Green, Digital
Thematic area:
Automation and Robotics, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Energy-Efficient Technologies
TRL phase: TRL 7 - system prototype demonstration in operational environment (System development)
Addressed business processes: MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS process , TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT process
Solution overview
The innovation revolutionizes weed control, tackling the substantial drawbacks of conventional methods:
- Herbicides lead to ecological degradation and pollution;
- Machine tilling compacts the soil, uses lots of fuel and breaks the natural soil structure;
- Manual weeding is labor-intensive, low-paid and ever more difficult to find candidates for.
The existing challenges are further compounded by the depopulation of rural areas and the abandonment of arable land in remote and inaccessible terrains, which has a direct impact on the efficiency and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
They are building a fully autonomous weeding robot - lightweight (60 – 80 kg), 100% solar-powered, using cutting-edge AI image recognition and navigation, combining contact (via tools reaching out and physically removing the weeds) and contactless (via devices based on plant-damaging energy beams) weeding modules, ensuring safety (no fire hazards), speed and minimal impact on crops and soil.
It is specifically designed for under-served agri segments - organic producers from regions suffering most from climate change consequences, with vast scale-up potential in terms of crops and geographies, easily adaptable, but especially relevant to hilly/mountainous terrains and dry soils.
The technology leverages advanced object recognition, data processing, machine learning and predictive analytics, enabling it to autonomously navigate and make decisions across diverse conditions. It combines sustainable, precise weed management methods, enriched by agronomic insights and tailored for complex environments. It is also equipped with a sophisticated system for remote communication and data transfer, enabling constant activity monitoring, remote command execution and the relay of field data to a central server for advanced analysis. This functionality ensures operational efficiency and supports informed decision-making through real-time data insights.
The initial target market consists of small and medium-sized farmers, particularly those practicing organic farming in Southern Europe, struggling most with affordable weed control. We are at present concentrating on essential oils and vegetables producers, a high-potential group yet a neglected one by all close competitors.
Key features
(1) The robot is a lightweight platform (60 - 80 kg), not compressing the top-soil layer and well-adapted for hilly and mountainous terrains while most competitors offer several-tons heavy machines, with lighter ones (300-500 kg) designed for work in flat and easily accessible farmlands;
(2) The platform exclusively runs on solar energy, setting us apart from most competitors who rely on less efficient, energy-intensive methods. Unlike systems powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) that emit harmful gases or those that depend on large batteries needing special charging infrastructure (sometimes unavailable in the field), our solar-powered solution offers a more sustainable and field-friendly alternative;
(3) The weeding tools are optimized for diverse soil types, including dry and sandy soils. Unlike traditional mechanical tools or contactless methods prone to inefficiencies and risks in challenging climates and terrains, our technology maintains effectiveness without raising plant or soil temperatures, thereby reducing fire hazards.
(4) RoboAiWeeder demonstrates exceptional effectiveness on both perennial and annual plants, a notable advantage over competitors primarily focusing on annual crops. Our innovative approach incorporates advanced technologies such as convolutional neural networks and off-the-shelf sensors, enhancing weed identification and navigation capabilities. Unlike competitor methods reliant on costly pre-mapping and precision GPS antennas, our approach excels in managing the complexities of perennial plants growth patterns, ensuring accurate and efficient weed detection and management.
Integration and adaptability in manufacturing environments
RoboAiWeeder can be easily integrated into existing production processes and systems. It is designed to operate autonomously and does not require special infrastructure, making its implementation straightforward. The robots lightweight design and adaptability to various terrains ensure it can be used in a wide range of farming environments without causing soil compaction or requiring significant changes to current farming practices.
Furthermore, the robot can be customized according to specific production requirements. Its modular design allows for the integration of different supplementary tools and techniques, tailored to the specific needs of different crops and soil conditions. This flexibility ensures that it meets the unique demands of various agricultural producers.
The robot is compatible with common agricultural technologies and equipment. It utilizes advanced AI image recognition and navigation systems that integrate seamlessly with existing farm management software. Additionally, the robots data processing capabilities enable it to communicate effectively with other smart farming devices, facilitating a cohesive and efficient agricultural operation.
The collection and processing of key data and the provision of analyses on pre-selected indicators to farmers and other interested parties (public bodies, associations, agri-companies, etc.) is also an aspect we are currently developing. Depending on the needs of the farmer, it would be available to request customized packages including analysis of nutrients, water content, diseases and pests, residual pesticides and more, ensuring that interested parties receive precise, relevant information to optimize their specific production requirements, making our solution even more valuable and adaptable to their unique conditions.
Overall, the weeding robots ease of integration, customization options and compatibility with existing technologies make it an ideal solution for modernizing and enhancing agricultural production processes.
Implementation support and training for manufacturers
During the deployment phase and after implementation, we offer comprehensive support services tailored to the specific business model selected by the farmer.
Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS): For farmers who choose the RaaS model, we handle the entire process from setup to maintenance. This significantly reduces the effort required from the farmer. Our team provides on-site installation, ongoing monitoring and regular maintenance, ensuring the robot operates at peak efficiency throughout the agricultural season. This model offers a hassle-free experience, with our team managing all technical aspects and minimizing downtime.
Traditional Rental Services: In this model, farmers rent the weeding robot for fixed periods tailored to their crop type and specific needs. While farmers are responsible for basic management and routine maintenance, we provide structured support to facilitate these tasks. This includes:
- Comprehensive Training Programs: We train farmers and their staff on the operation, management and basic troubleshooting of the robots.
- Detailed User Manuals and Online Resources: Step-by-step guides, video tutorials and an online knowledge base to assist farmers in managing the robots independently.
- Remote Monitoring and Support: Continuous performance monitoring and real-time remote support to address any issues promptly.
- Regular Maintenance Services: Scheduled maintenance checks and software updates to ensure the robot remains in optimal condition.
- Customization Support: For companies with specific production requirements, we provide customization support to tailor the robots functionalities to their unique needs. This includes adjusting weeding tools and updating software settings.
Direct Sales: For farmers purchasing the robot outright, we offer extensive support to ensure they can maximize the robots benefits. This includes initial setup assistance, in-depth training, access to our full suite of online resources, customization opportunities, etc. Additionally, we provide ongoing remote support and maintenance services to help farmers maintain the robots performance over time.
The support services are designed to be flexible and responsive to the farmers selected model, ensuring they receive the level of assistance they need to integrate and operate our weeding robot effectively. This approach maximizes the robot’s benefits, enhancing efficiency and productivity in various agricultural settings.
Sustainability, compliance and certifications in the EU
RoboAiWeeder fully complies with the relevant environmental regulations and industrial standards in the EU. The weeding robot is designed with a focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Being entirely solar-powered, it produces no carbon emissions, thereby supporting efforts to reduce pollution and combat climate change.
In addition, our contactless weeding module focuses energy into small, customizable patches that do not affect neighbouring cultivated plants or raise the temperature of the treated area. It is also safe for both the environment and consumers, making it certifiable for organic farming.
We have already explored and begun aligning (ongoing; the certification process is expected to be completed in 1.5 years) with key EU and international certification standards for our robot, including the Machinery Directive 2006/42/CE, ISO 18497:2018, ISO 18646-2:2019, ISO 3691–4:2020, ISO TS 15066:2016, ISO 10218–1, ISO 25119–2:2019, as well ones under development like ISO/FDIS 18497-1.
In line with these standards, we have started implementing necessary technological features such as an emergency stop button, automatic shut-down systems, fail-safe mechanisms to prevent unintended collisions or damage to crops and others.
By adhering to these standards and obtaining the relevant certifications, we ensure that our robot meets the highest levels of efficiency, safety and sustainability, providing farmers with a reliable and eco-friendly weed control solution.
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