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FarmWise releases weeding robot

Some farmers will be using an autonomous weeding robot in 2019 to reduce inputs and labor costs.

California-based FarmWise’s autonomous robot travels fields to identify weeds and mechanically removes them much like a garden hoe.  It also gathers in-season field data and can thin plant stands.

After trials last year on large California vegetable farms, the company will be manufacturing the first generation of machines to be used this growing season.

In 2019, the company also plans to make updates that would allow one person to operate several machines.  The company says the next generation will be produced by a large auto manufacturer in Detroit, Michigan.

Longer-term, FarmWise plans to extend its focus from large vegetable growers to medium and smaller farms and commodity producers.