Croplands unveils next-gen autonomous sprayer

Croplands Equipment has unveiled its next-generation autonomous spot spraying platform at AgQuip 2026, with new features aimed at keeping machines working longer in the paddock.

The new Robot Ready Pinto Series 2 introduces an optional AutoFill hopper attachment, allowing the machine to automatically refill at a SwarmFarm AutoFill station, along with an optional six-wheel drive system designed to improve traction and mobility in difficult field conditions.

The platform combines Croplands’ Pinto 3000-litre sprayer with SwarmFarm Robotics’ autonomous operating system and WEED-IT optical spot spraying technology.

Together, the technologies allow the machine to autonomously detect and target weeds, reducing herbicide use and operator input while increasing machine utilisation.

Croplands WEED-IT product lead, Lachlan Coom, said the Series 2 improvements were developed following customer feedback and experience operating the existing platform in the field.

“We've focused heavily on enhancing reliability and usability to deliver increasing uptime, improved serviceability and ultimately a more capable autonomous spraying solution that will deliver even greater value in the paddock."

A key addition is the AutoFill system, which allows the machine to replenish chemical and water with less operator involvement, reducing the amount of time it spends out of the paddock.

“The more efficiently operators can refill the machine, or in this instance, where the machine refills itself, the more time it can spend in the paddock detecting and spraying weeds,” Coom said.

Meanwhile, the optional six-wheel drive system is intended to provide greater traction in soft and uneven terrain, allowing autonomous spraying to continue across a wider range of seasonal and field conditions.

Coom said combining autonomous operation with optical spot spraying could also help growers address labour availability while increasing productive spraying hours.

"WEED-IT has already established itself as one of the industry's most effective spot spraying technologies, helping growers reduce herbicide use while maintaining excellent weed control outcomes," he said.

“When paired with SwarmFarm's autonomous operating system, we're able to extend those benefits even further by reducing operator intervention and increasing the number of productive spraying hours available each day."

Croplands’ autonomous range also includes a WEED-IT Swarm Series mounted boom developed by Queensland-based Rasmussen Brothers Engineering specifically for SwarmFarm’s autonomous SwarmBot.

The purpose-built boom is now available through Croplands’ national distribution network.