Robot: WEAI
Task(s): Eliminate weed in and between rows
Development start: 2017
Pricing: €135,000 (8 x 250mm row distance, 2250mm wheel track)($143,789 according to the exchange rate of 11-11-2024).
Manufacturer:
Description
WEAI works with an extremely high precision, which is especially important in rows of vegetables. The robot has mechanical arms to remove weed between rows and a hoeing system to remove weed in the rows. In this way you also reduce the use of herbicides so farmers can reduce their costs and contribute to a healthier environment. Tests in Sweden showed that our robotic system can contribute to higher yields compared to conventional cultivation using chemical pesticides to control weeds.
Drive train type
Our Generation-3 robot has 4 wheel-drive and 4 wheel-steering. The robot platform will be updated for the 2024 season.
Characteristics
- Specialised robot for weeding in rows, seeded or planted. Flat bed or full field operation. Ridges in development.
- In our own house developed AI system controls the mechanical weeding tool.
Besides controlling the weeding tool, we also use the camera for data harvesting, e.g., plant population counting, weed pressure indication, and disease localisation. - Autonomous drive 24/7
- Electrically powered with a battery swap system
- Wheel track 1500 and 2250mm available, 3000/3200mm in development. Prototype testing in spring 2025.
Navigation system
The robot uses RTK GPS to navigate with 2 cm precision. Sensor fusion is also made with odometry and an IMU for accurate localisation. An AB line is imported from seeding together with field boundaries. A route is then created for the robot to follow. Obstacles are detected via two radar sensors attached to the front of the robot.
Specifications
| Name/type robot | WEAI |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase 1890mm Track width 1500 and 2250mm available 3000/3200mm under construction |
| Turning radius | 0 m (ballerina turns) |
| Weight | 1400 – 1500 kg |
| Energy source | It has 2 batteries generating 7,4 kWh on 48V |
| Energy stock/range | It can operate up to 9 to 10 hours on one battery charge |
| Driveline | RTK GPS |
| Navigation system | RTK gps |
| Output capacity | With our mechanical tool arms 10 ha in 4,5 days. Combined with the hoeing system it can be increased to 10 ha |
| Pricing | €135,000 (8 x 250mm row distance, 2250mm wheel track)($143,789 according to the exchange rate of 11-11-2024). |
| Availability (countries) | Sweden and the Netherlands, other countries from 2026. |
| Units operational (total end 2024) | 8 |
