The AX-1 is an in-row herbicide applicator that precisely places droplets of herbicide on weeds without touching the crop. | Credit: Anders Brevik
As farmers manage weed pressure, strict chemical regulations, and labor costs, Kilter AS has developed a technological approach to vegetable production. The Langhus, Norway-based company said it designed the AX-1 autonomous robot to apply herbicide in a way that will change how commercial growers manage their fields.
Kilter focuses on precision at the plant level
The AX-1 moves away from traditional “blanket spraying,” which treats entire fields regardless of weed density. Instead, Kilter’s system uses machine learning to identify individual weeds. By applying chemicals to specific targets, the AX-1 can reduce herbicide usage by 95%, claimed the company.
This targeted approach allows farmers to manage their land in environments where herbicide options are limited. The AX-1 identifies weeds while leaving crops untouched for a reduced chemical footprint.
AX-1 designed to boost yield and sustainability
The AX-1 is designed to assist farmers in improving yield by reducing crop competition and avoiding growth delays caused by broad-spectrum chemical applications.
For the organic sector, the AX-1 provides a chemical-free weeding alternative, offering a solution to the manual labor required for organic vegetable production. The system is built to operate 24/7, providing a consistent workforce for conventional or organic farming operations.
Addressing inefficiencies in agronomy
Kilter said it developed the AX-1 to address specific challenges in weed control. The robot is completely autonomous as it navigates a row, identifies weeds, and applies the weed killers.
By integrating agronomy with autonomous robotics, the company said its system targets three primary areas:
- Targeted application: Replacing broad methods with precise spot-treatment
- Chemical management: Utilizing available chemicals through significant reduction
- Labor automation: Automating manual weeding tasks
The AX-1 uses machine vision to identify weeds and then deploys a targeted sprayer. | Credit: Kilter
AX-1 specifications
- Weight: 260 kg (~573 lb.) dry weight. Its lightweight design—roughly 10% the weight of a standard tractor and sprayer combination—prevents soil compaction and allows for operation on soft soils shortly after rain, said Kilter.
- Tank capacity: 50 liters (~13.2 gallons). Due to its precision, this volume provides the same coverage as approximately 1,000 liters (~264 gallons) used by a conventional broadcast sprayer.
- Precision targeting: 6×6 mm (~0.24 x 0.24 in.) accuracy. It uses patented Single Drop Technology (SDT) to apply micro-droplets of herbicide directly to the weed, avoiding the crop and surrounding soil.
- Detection technology: The robot uses high-resolution sensors and AI-based deep learning neural networks to distinguish between crops and weeds in real-time.
Performance and operation
- Operational speed: Approximately 1 hectare (~2.47 acres) per hour.
- Herbicide reduction: Up to 95% reduction in chemical usage compared with broadcast spraying.
- Runtime: Designed for 24/7 autonomous operation.
- Compatible chemicals: Works with standard herbicides as well as environmentally friendly bio-herbicides such as pelargonic acid.
Kilter points to the future of farming
Kilter encourages growers to transition from traditional practices toward an autonomous, data-driven approach. It asserted that the AX-1 represents a shift toward a sustainable era of agriculture.
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