McConnel autonomous sprayer is spot on
In conjunction with Harper Adams University College, McConnel is developing an autonomous spot sprayer attachment for its existing ROBOCUT RC56, fitted with Trimble guidance.
It is equipped with an RGB camera to capture images of dock leaves, a ground speed radar to monitor forward speeds and an 80-litre tank. The system can identify docks in grassland and selectively targets the weeds using microprocessor control.
Nozzles are spaced about 15cm apart on a 1.5m wide boom and are individually operated by fast-acting valves with pulse width modulation (PWM) control.
Retro-fit
If proven to be successful, the attachment will join McConnel’s range of detachable Robocut attachments and could be retro-fitted. This range already includes the ROBO-AIR, airblast sprayer for operating in orchards, vineyards and polytunnels.
McConnel is also working on other ‘smart agricultural’ implements, which it hopes to preview in the near future.
