Robotics has long become commonplace in industry, medicine, electronics, and pharmacy. However, robots have not conquered one of the main branches of human activity, farming. The English startup Small Robot Company can change the situation fundamentally, offering several specialized devices that provide ultimate precision planting and further processing of fields in order to completely and safely kill weeds.
Modern methods of killing weeds on farmland are based on the use of chemical herbicides, which not only kill weeds but also make soil poor and damage the environment. The use of robots completely eliminates the use of harmful substances and increases the efficiency of farm work.
The company offers three specialized robot-farmers named Tom, Dick, and Harry, who have previously been assigned to various farm works. Now, this trio can provide effective weed control.
The first robot Tom plays the role of a scout and informer, and its productivity allows to cultivate up to 20 hectares per day in all-weather and all-season conditions. The light weight of the robot (150 kg) also saves the land from excessive compaction. Tom has a sub-millimeter camera and an automatic navigation system that provides a clear classification of useful plants and weeds.
The second one, Harry, is designed for high precision planting of seeds with the simultaneous fixation of landing points and the formation of a map of farmlands. While planting, the robot uses a special drill.
The third robot, Dick, is used for killing weeds, employing the technology developed by the British Rootwave startup. The weed is killed by an electric discharge.
