High-precision robot trials underway in vegetable growing regions

Croplands, Nufarm’s emerging solutions spray equipment platform, and Kilter have formed a distribution agreement to bring Kilter’s autonomous ultra-high-precision AX-1 robot to vegetable farmers in Australia and New Zealand.

Testing and evaluation is now being undertaken across key vegetable growing regions utilising the ultra-high precision machinery which has patented single drop technology (SDT) and autonomous crop protection.

In SDT mode, the AX-1 applies herbicide to weeds only, depositing droplets every 6mm into the target area. The AX-1 captures and analyses imagery of the crop, then applies droplets directly on the weeds, saving farmers chemical inputs.

As a light-weight autonomous solution, the AX-1 allows early application of critical sprays on soft soils while also releasing labour so farmers can focus on high value tasks within the farming operation.

The AX-1 works well in fleets, can easily move between locations and the classifier can switch between varying crop types.

“Kilter’s technology is unique and unrivalled in the marketplace,” said Sean Mulvaney, General Manager of Croplands.

“The first AX-1 machines have arrived in Australia and we are looking forward to adding another sustainable solution to the Australian and New Zealand Croplands fleet.”

“For the horticulture industry, this new addition complements Croplands’ existing autonomous solution platform – the Robotics Plus Prospr for the viticulture and tree crop market.”

The AX-1 is currently operating in Europe and holds classifications on 21 different vegetables, including root vegetables and leafy greens.

Kilter and Croplands were recently awarded a Hort innovations grant to conduct testing and imagery collection in Australian conditions, including weeds, soils and crop types in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

Partner growers are required during the evaluation phase for the AX-1. Registrations can be made with your local Croplands Territory Manager.