Agricultural giant John Deere has launched a new AI-powered weeding technology for farmers. The “See & Spray Ultimate” system uses computer vision to distinguish between crops and weeds, allowing it to apply herbicides only to weeds, reducing the amount of chemicals used in farming.
The technology is part of John Deere’s wider sustainability efforts, as outlined in their 2022 sustainability report, which showed progress towards their environmental goals. The company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions includes developing more efficient machinery and exploring renewable energy sources.
The See & Spray Ultimate system was among the innovative technologies that helped John Deere win three 2023 AE50 Awards. The award recognizes the top 50 innovative products introduced in the agricultural industry each year.
John Deere’s AI-powered weeding technology isn’t the only one on the market, with Carbon Robotics also developing their own system called “LaserWeeder.” Carbon Robotics’ latest addition to their system is a laser-thinning feature that uses AI to optimize plant spacing for more efficient and effective growing.
These advancements in agricultural technology have the potential to significantly reduce the amount of chemicals used in farming, resulting in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture. The use of AI in agriculture is becoming increasingly common, allowing farmers to optimize their yields and reduce waste.
While there are concerns about the displacement of human workers in farming as automation becomes more prevalent, the technology has the potential to make agriculture safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. As technology continues to advance, it’s likely we’ll see even more innovative solutions to the challenges facing modern agriculture.