Automated weeding with the igus® delta robot

About the application:

The world's first non-chemical weed control robot for cereal crops, manufactured by agri-tech start-up Small Robot Company, has successfully identified and controlled weeds in a field trial in Hampshire. The wheeled robot uses delta robot arms to position a "zapper" and uses "lightning strikes" to kill weeds.
The drylin delta robots were selected due to their precision, cost-effective and lubrication-free technology.
The weed-killing robot, called "Dick", works in conjunction with a monitoring robot, "Tom", to identify weed patches and kill individual plants with a zapper device.

The problem:

Currently, chemicals are often used to kill weeds, for example by spraying herbicides over a wide area. A costly waste with harmful effects on the environment.  In addition, herbicides and soil compaction damage the soil, reducing crop yields.
Automated weed killing systems that are designed to kill weeds at the level of a single plant must not only be highly precise. The components used must also be weatherproof to ensure they can cope with wet mud and water splashes.

The solution:

The delta robot follows another monitoring robot that uses artificial intelligence to scan the field for weed patches to define a path. The delta robot then manoeuvres the zapper into position using an integrated motor and encoder connected to the weed robot's master control system. The three drylin delta robots attached to each weeding robot system can simultaneously destroy weeds. This method with two robots working together with AI can also be used for spot spraying, spot fertilisation or slug control.

A key feature of igus components is that they are lubrication-free. Lubricated moving parts like the belt drive and bearings would potentially get clogged with soil and water in a muddy field, but igus polymers and parts are designed to operate dry. The affordability, precision, durability and reliability of drylin delta robots are perfect for these and new agricultural applications, says igus UK CEO Matthew Aldridge. "Being lightweight and cost-effective, the delta has opened up new possibilities for the use of these robots in mobile applications and demonstrated a new technology in a harsh outdoor environment.