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MIT Technology Review is pointing out that this weed killing robot could put a big dent in the revenue of the $26B herbicide market. It is quite simple. Instead of spraying entire fields with herbicides, this robot goes out and finds the offending weeds in the grow fields and only uses the herbicide exactly where needed. The version below is identifying the weeds for extermination by larger tractors that would then go treat the targeted areas. This technology could bring down the usage of herbicides on our foods in such cases by a factor of 20. Wow!
Check out the video.
The industry impact: The use of these weed killers isn’t far off. John Deere got in on the tech last year, acquiring the precision spraying startup Blue River, meaning its tractors could be outfitted with weed targeters very soon. Large agrochemical companies are desperately trying to acquire businesses working on similar technologies, in preparation for a decline in demand for their chemicals.
Check out the video.
The industry impact: The use of these weed killers isn’t far off. John Deere got in on the tech last year, acquiring the precision spraying startup Blue River, meaning its tractors could be outfitted with weed targeters very soon. Large agrochemical companies are desperately trying to acquire businesses working on similar technologies, in preparation for a decline in demand for their chemicals.