Verdant Robotics tests precision sprayer for targeted weed control

Verdant Robotics has unveiled a precision hooded sprayer that uses cameras, artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and target weeds in real time. The system was demonstrated last week at Becknology Days in Atlanta, Indiana.

The Hayward, California–based company says the technology builds a 3D map of weeds in the field and creates a “virtual box” around each plant. Nozzles spray herbicide directly at the weeds without hitting nearby crops. Larger weeds receive higher doses, while crops such as soybeans remain untouched.

“We have 22 of these machines operating this summer,” said Chad Yagow, director of digital agronomy at Verdant Robotics, who is based in Champaign, Illinois. “Most are working in California vegetable operations, but we also have units on farms in the Midwest and farther east.”

During the Indiana demonstration, the sprayer used water to simulate herbicide applications on cover crops planted among soybeans. Each machine can deliver up to 196 targeted shots per second per row, covering a 15-foot swath at a speed of 2.2 miles per hour.

The company is working to increase computing power to boost travel speed to 4 miles per hour, with a long-term goal of 8 miles per hour to make the technology viable for commodity crops such as corn and soybeans.

Regulatory considerations also remain. “We follow herbicide labels, and we can’t spray glyphosate because it is not labeled for this use,” Yagow said. “However, there are other herbicides, like glufosinate, which are legal for us to apply.”

Verdant Robotics is positioning its system as a tool to reduce chemical use, improve accuracy in weed control and support both conventional and organic production systems.