Kubota partners with Kilter to advance ultra-precise robotic weeding in Europe

Kubota Corporation and Norway’s Kilter AS have agreed to jointly pilot and promote Kilter’s AX-1 precision weeding robot in Europe, starting in Germany and the Netherlands and including a joint presentation at Agritechnica 2025. The companies announced the partnership on November 10, saying it is intended to help vegetable growers reduce chemical use and maintain crop quality as regulatory pressure and labor shortages tighten.

Kilter’s AX-1 is an autonomous spot-spraying robot developed for bed-grown vegetables. Using AI-based weed recognition and placement accuracy of roughly 6 millimeters, the machine applies micro-doses of herbicide directly to individual weeds. The company says its patented Single Drop Technology can cut herbicide use by as much as 95% by avoiding contact with the crop and limiting soil exposure.

The move comes as vegetable producers face fewer approved herbicides, higher costs for registering chemicals in niche crops, and widespread concerns about resistance. Manual weeding has also become more difficult to staff and more expensive to operate. Existing spot-spray systems often lack the precision to avoid crop damage, while mechanical tools can be limited by soil conditions and sensitivity of young plants.

Kubota said the AX-1 is suited for crops including spinach, lettuces, herbs, celeriac and strawberries, with support for more than 15 crop types and plans for further expansion. “Our clients value technology that enables healthier and faster-growing crops as well as earlier harvest with higher yields and better quality,” said Daria Batukhtina, senior manager of strategic business development at the Kubota Innovation Center.

The companies have been cooperating ahead of the formal launch. During the 2025 pilot season, selected dealers in Germany and the Netherlands supported multiple AX-1 units operating several times per week from April through September. Farmers evaluated yields, crop development, product uniformity and overall effectiveness compared with their standard practices. According to both companies, grower feedback was positive.

“Through this partnership with Kilter, we aim to support an advanced start-up while strengthening connections with dealers and early customers across Europe,” said Iljan Schouten, vice president of Kubota Smart Farming Solutions. “Kubota’s network is seeing rising demand for environmentally friendly tools that help reduce chemical use.”

Kilter CEO Anders Brevik said the collaboration will expand access to the company’s technology. “AX-1 applies micro-doses of herbicide with millimetre accuracy,” he said. “Our goal is to shift selectivity from chemistry to smart application and help protect both crops and soil health.”

The companies plan to broaden the system’s crop coverage and extend distribution beyond the initial pilot countries.