Garford Farm Machinery is set to transform precision agriculture with its new Robocrop AI, a state-of-the-art vision guidance system. This technology introduces advanced “green on green” weed control, using artificial intelligence to distinguish crops from weeds with incredible accuracy. Designed to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs, the system will be available for farmers starting in the 2025 season, promising a new level of resilience in various field conditions.
From ‘Green on Brown’ to ‘Green on Green’ Innovation
For years, automated weed control has relied on “green on brown” technology, which simply identifies green plants against the brown soil. However, Robocrop AI represents a major step forward by using a “green on green” approach. This means the system can tell the difference between a crop plant and a weed, even when they are growing close together.
This advanced capability is powered by artificial intelligence that processes information from multiple sources at once. According to Jonathan Henry, Garford’s Managing Director, this is a “step change” in plant identification. The system uses multiple data streams from the camera, allowing it to accurately identify crop plants and differentiate them from surrounding weeds. This precision is crucial for protecting yields and ensuring effective weed management.
The Multi-Modal Technology Powering Robocrop AI
What truly sets Robocrop AI apart is its sophisticated multi-modal camera system. It doesn’t just see in color; it gathers a complete picture of the field environment by combining several types of data. This allows it to identify plants based on characteristics like leaf shape and stem location.
The system’s ability to analyze different visual data streams makes it incredibly robust. It can perform accurately even in challenging situations, such as on cloudy days or in fields with a large number of weeds.
- Infrared and Color Cameras: These work together to detect plants reliably under different lighting and weather conditions.
- Depth Imaging: This feature allows the system to see the plant’s profile and locate its stem, which is key for precise hoeing.
- Data Fusion: The AI combines all this information in real-time to make smart decisions about what is a crop and what is a weed.
Boosting Weed Control and Operational Performance
The primary benefit for farmers is a significant improvement in weed control. Because Robocrop AI can pinpoint stem locations, it enables mechanical hoes to work much closer to the crop without causing damage. This results in fewer weeds being left behind, reducing the need for expensive manual weeding or chemical sprays.
Furthermore, the system is designed for resilience. Its advanced technology ensures it can operate effectively when light conditions are poor or when weed pressure is high. This gives farmers a wider operational window and more confidence in their weed management strategy, regardless of the challenges in the field. The AI’s neural network also continuously learns, improving its performance over time.
Availability and Features for the 2025 Season
Garford has confirmed that the first version of Robocrop AI will be ready for the 2025 season. The initial release will be configured for Garford’s InRow electric rotor weeders and will be targeted for use in salad, brassica, and sugar beet crops.
Operators will interact with the system through a modern, user-friendly 10.1-inch terminal. This screen provides live video feeds and allows for real-time adjustments to ensure the system is performing optimally. Garford also plans to release future upgrades, including support for multiple cameras and expanded section steering.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial System | Single-section steering with single or double cameras |
| Target Crops | Salad, brassica, and sugar beet |
| User Interface | 10.1-inch terminal with live stream images |
| Availability | UK and international dealerships starting in 2025 |
