First, University of Florida scientists developed technology to kill weeds, instead of strawberries.
Now, UF/IFAS researchers are designing a machine that can surgically eliminate weeds while preserving the tomatoes and peppers around them, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor fusion.
Vinay Vijayakumar, a doctoral student working under the supervision of Yiannis Ampatzidis, created the smart-spraying system that targets weeds on raised beds of soil and in row middles, the areas between rows of plastic beds.
The smart machine's movement is currently operated by remote control, but future advancements will enable it to function as a fully autonomous system, like a robot, Ampatzidis said. The smart-spraying system can also be mounted on the back of a tractor or any other farm vehicle.
Read more at UF/IFAS.