Work

Real‐World Deployment of a Dynamic Selective LASER Weeding System Using Multispectral Imagery

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The use of chemical treatments for weed control is increasingly challenged by weed resistance, regulatory restrictions on chemicals and the risk of soil and water contamination that can pose health hazards. Chemical weed treatments are unsustainable, prompting exploration of alternative methods such as boiling water, electrocution and directed fire. However, these approaches are limited: water‐based treatments require a reliable water supply in the field, and electric or fire‐based methods pose additional environmental risks. This work proposes a targeted light amplified stimulation of emission by radiation (LASER) treatment and selective spraying system integrated with automatic weed identification. The system, mounted on the rear of a tractor, utilises a bispectral imaging setup to distinguish weeds from crops. Close‐to‐crop weeds are automatically selected for LASER treatment, whereas a selective sprayer targets other weeds with a glyphosate globule. This integrated system approach is named ‘Hyperweeding’. The results demonstrate successful separation of row crops from weeds, achieving a contamination‐free crop with a significant reduction in glyphosate usage, and effectively treating weeds at speeds of 0.1 m.

Source: IET Cyber-Systems and Robotics

DOI: 10.1049/csy2.70059

Authors: Sam Wane, Mingfeng Wang, Matthew Butler, Fernando Auat Cheein

Institutions: Harper Adams University, Brunel University of London

Language: English

Topic: Weed Control and Herbicide Applications

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Technology Strategy Board