Following intensive development and testing, Escarda Technologies from Germany introduces its CE-certified laser weed control system to the market. The AI powered herbicide-free control solution, detects weeds from 3 mm in size.

The technology of the Berlin based company, eliminates weeds safely and precisely using laser technology, without chemicals or soil damage. This makes the system suitable for both organic and conventional farming. The patented laser weed control system is based on a certified safety concept, awarded the CE mark by German testing institute Dekra.

Precise, reliable and sustainable

The Escarda system integrates high-precision laser technology with a powerful camera. Trailed by a tractor, the camera on the Escara weeder continuously captures images of the field, which are analyzed in real time by an AI-powered system. When the AI detects a weed growing alongside a crop, it activates the precision laser to destroy the unwanted plant at its root. The camera can identify weeds as small as 3 mm, ensuring early-stage removal.

Currently, the AI technology is trained to recognize carrots, sugar beets, and tomatoes. Ongoing development aims to expand its capabilities to identify onions, garlic, asparagus, parsnips, and strawberries. The system is already in use with pilot customers, including Morningstar, California’s largest tomato processor.

Modular design for flexibility

One of the key advantages of the Escarda system is its compact, lightweight, and modular design. In a single-row configuration, the laser unit weighs 400 kg and requires only a 60-horsepower tractor, making it significantly flexible. The modular setup allows farmers to adjust configurations for different field sizes and scale capacity by operating up to eight laser units simultaneously. This makes the system suitable for both small farms, as well as large-scale agricultural operations.

Highlights

“I wanted to disrupt the industry”

Craig Rupp is a self-made man. The founder and owner of US based Sabanto, has a clear vision on automation in agriculture. “I wanted to disrupt the industry,” he says. And so, he did. Craig developed the Steward retrofit kit, making tractors operate autonomously. It eases the workload for farmers. B...

“Agricultural robots” today at Agritechnica digital

“Agricultural robots” is the first topic in new webinar series on startup technologies, presented in Agritechnica digital. Free-to-attend ‘AgTech’ events explore topics shaping startup innovation scene: robotics, digitalization, circular economy and soil health. Today, 18 January 2022, Agritechnica ...

“Cotton King” high clearance tractor

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in Central Asia, are rich in cotton production. In order to meet technological constraints, Lovol launched the high clearance TX1104-H “Cotton King” tractor, specifically designed for cotton production in these countries. Th...

“Agritechnica Asia live” is approaching

From 24-26 August, Agritechnica Asia Live 2022 will be held in Can Tho City, Vietnam. At Agritechnica Live, machinery will be demonstrated in the field. Concurrently there’s an exhibition with a seminar programme. The previous edition was held in Myanmar, which attracted visitors from across South E...

“Let the future begin”

The global ag machinery market is continuously evolving. AGCO aims to be in the forefront of new technology. Serving their own customers, but also mixed fleet operations. With new solutions in precision ag, autonomous vehicles and engines running on clean energy. Always with full focus on the farmer...

Related articles

MF 7S MARK 2, the future of Massey Ferguson tractors

Massey Ferguson unveils its new mid-to-high horsepower tractor range. Among the contenders for Tractor of the Year 2027, the new line-up comprises six models and introduces a host of significant updates. With EIMA International just around the corner, major announcements from the tractor industry ar...