Trials show CLAWS robot can accurately target weeds with killer beam

Pulsed light is being used to spot and kill weeds in commercial trials of the CLAWS (Concentrated Light Autonomous Weeding and Scouting) robot from Earth Rover. The lightweight robot uses 3D cameras and advanced AI to monitor the crop as well as identify and destroy weed seedlings at an early stage, without the need for chemicals.

Earth Rover Marketing executive Cristina García explains that CLAWS acquires its per-plant crop data by scanning the entire field, identifying and indexing each plant’s location and size. As processing is done ‘on the edge’ rather than in the cloud the scouting data is available in real time, offering incredible speed and accuracy.

Cristina says: “The robots are managed through a Farm Control and Intelligence System which generates a digital replica of the farm. This powerful tool enables growers to control CLAWS quickly and easily, and to use the data to enable a rapid review of critical information about the crops, including detailed maps, crop health status, and growth rates.”

CLAWS takes photos of the ground using its 3D cameras. Earlier field trials have confirmed that it is able to distinguish between crop plant and weed seedlings across a variety of crops. It uses a concentrated pulsed beam of light to target the growth point or meristem of the weed to kill it.

The pulsed light is safe as it dissipates after it reaches the target, unlike a laser which can bounce off something that is reflective such as a stone, glass or broken crockery. CLAWS can weed, scout, or do both simultaneously.

The high level of interest in trialling CLAWS in the 2024 season demonstrates the market pull for automation technology and the company sees the future as farmers having a fleet of robots providing 24/7 management of the crops.

Cristina continues: “Building on the success of last season’s trials, we are expanding the range of crops and enhancing the capabilities of the robot for this year and are collaborating with five growers across the season.

“We envision a future where CLAWS will become a standard tool on the farm, and the notion of robots working alongside farmers will become normalised, driving further innovation and advancement in agri-tech.”

Earth Rover welcomes expressions of interest in becoming a Pioneer for its 2025 field trials. Cristina invites growers to reach out via email at info@earthrover.farm. “We will be happy to arrange a call to discuss further.”

CLAWS is to be demonstrated in the Agri-TechE Innovation Hub at the Royal Norfolk Show 2024 on 26-27^th June. The hub is sponsored by BBRO.