A field solution that decreases fossil fuel use and enhances productivity in agricultural operations has been developed by Seattle-based startup Aigen. The autonomous, scalable robotics platform leverages artificial intelligence (AI) in a system initially configured to provide crop weeding services.

The robotic Element system is powered by a custom 205 W solar panel so as to cut agricultural use of fossil fuels. The deployment of these robots also affords an opportunity to significantly lower the use of herbicides, as the AI-empowered automatons continually detect and physically remove weeds from fields. The lightweight frame and solar panel, paired with regenerative motors and rugged suspension, allow the robots to effectively navigate and weed row crops for up to 14 hours a day in nearly any weather condition.

The robotic vehicles autonomously navigate, weed and analyze row crops. Source: Aigen

Aigen expects to debut the Element service on over 20,000 acres of U.S. farmland in 2024.