Robotic sprayer aims to reduce pesticide use

By Blake Jackson

A team of Penn State researchers is developing a robotic precision pesticide sprayer to address the environmental and health concerns associated with excessive pesticide use in agriculture.

Funded by a $300,000 USDA grant, the project aims to minimize pesticide exposure while maintaining crop yields in small-fruit production.

The robotic sprayer, based on an unmanned ground robot, will be equipped with a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor to measure canopy density.

This information will allow the system to automatically adjust the spray rate, reducing chemical drift and improving efficiency.

The researchers will conduct field trials in vineyards and raspberry fields to evaluate the robotic sprayer's performance compared to conventional sprayers.

The goal is to demonstrate a significant reduction in pesticide usage and human involvement in spray operations.

Long He, the project leader, said “The primary goal of the project is to develop and demonstrate a robotic spraying system for pest management in grape and berry fields to save pesticides and reduce chemical drift and over the long term, the project is expected to provide an advanced plant-protection tool for sustainable production and communities.”

The project involves integrating a commercial ground robot, a sprayer controlling system, and a canopy measurement sensing system.

The LiDAR sensor will enable the robot to accurately assess canopy density and adjust spray rates accordingly.

The researchers will conduct extensive field trials to evaluate the system's effectiveness in reducing pesticide use and improving efficiency.

They will compare the robotic sprayer's performance to conventional sprayers in both vineyards and raspberry fields.

The results of this project will be shared with the grower community through articles, workshops, and field demonstrations by Penn State Extension.

The goal is to provide valuable information and training on the use of robotic precision spraying technology.

By developing and demonstrating this innovative robotic system, the researchers hope to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient small fruit production industry.

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic