https://carbonrobotics.com/laserweeder
https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/farming-robot-kills-200000-weeds-hour-lasers
The agricultural world is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by groundbreaking technology. Among the most fascinating innovations is a farming robot equipped with lasers that can destroy hundreds of thousands of weeds in mere hours. This high-tech solution is not just a marvel of engineering but a timely response to persistent challenges in farming, from labor shortages to the environmental impact of chemical herbicides.
. . . The robot operates with minimal human intervention, scanning rows of crops using 12 high-resolution cameras that detect weeds in real time. Its onboard AI system processes this information, distinguishing weeds from crops with incredible accuracy. Once a weed is identified, carbon dioxide lasers target and destroy it instantly, leaving the surrounding soil undisturbed. This approach eliminates the need for chemical herbicides, reducing environmental harm while preserving soil health. It also alleviates the physical burden of manual weeding, offering farmers a more efficient alternative.
Beyond its functional benefits, the introduction of robots like the Autonomous Weeder marks a significant shift in the agricultural sector. These machines demonstrate the potential of integrating AI into farming practices, enabling farmers to achieve more with fewer resources. As the capabilities of such robots continue to expand, they are not only solving immediate issues but also setting the stage for a future defined by sustainable and technologically advanced agriculture.
. . . Economically, the LaserWeeder is a sound investment. While the initial cost may seem substantial, its ability to cut weeding expenses by up to 80% means that the machine pays for itself within two to three years. This rapid return on investment, combined with its labor-saving capabilities, makes it a practical choice for farms of all sizes. As more farmers experience its benefits firsthand, the LaserWeeder is solidifying its place as a vital tool for modern agriculture.
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ideally that would be great but the birds and other critters eat them, part of Gods plan. Guess if you have an over abundance it would be great but what I do is put some bird houses by my garden and the birds eat the insects in the garden keeping it clean. They produce a lot of babies and they need to feed them insects. I believe man purposely has been creating an imbalance in nature and that is why we have such a horrible bug issue at times. We all need to go back to holistic gardening and balance nature as God intended plus these new technologies definitely can help. We need to the birds and they need food.
Birds and the bees! We have a ton of bees.
I have plenty of 'weeds' in my veggie patch. Most I leave them to attract the pollinators and condition the soil. I clear the area just before I plant out more vegetables. I like the idea of weeding by laser for farms, golf courses, parks. Ending the use of sprays is a good thing.