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LeapBox: AI for image recognition and biomass determination

26-06 | |
The Interface for Operating PWM Spraying Technology LeapBox. Until recently, BBLeap's LeapBox could already spray 'tiles' based on a task map, but now the system is also available for real-time targeted spraying using camera images. - Photos: Michel Velderman
The Interface for Operating PWM Spraying Technology LeapBox. Until recently, BBLeap's LeapBox could already spray 'tiles' based on a task map, but now the system is also available for real-time targeted spraying using camera images. - Photos: Michel Velderman

Spraying technology manufacturer BBLeap is launching a camera system called BeeLeap, while continuing to provide technology for PWM spraying under the name LeapBox.

The LeapBox high-frequency switching nozzle valves allow for varying the output per nozzle without changing the droplet size spectrum. If you mount nozzles at 25-centimeter intervals, the system can spray ’tiles’ of 25×25 centimeters.

Until recently, BBLeap with LeapBox could already spray ’tiles’ based on a task map, but now the system is also available for real-time targeted spraying based on camera images. This can be used for both green on brown (weeds on stubble fields) and green on green (thistles or sorrel in grassland, volunteer potatoes in onions or beets).

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Camera with PWM Spraying Technology LeapBox.
Camera with PWM Spraying Technology LeapBox.

Artificial Intelligence

The basis for online detection with cameras is artificial intelligence for image recognition. For this, BBLeap collaborates with the French company Carbon Bee.

Besides spraying based on plant recognition, the camera technology can also determine the amount of biomass and adjust the dosage based on biomass if desired. Algorithms to make the sprayer smarter and thus much more precise are continuously being developed.

BBLeap is equipping several machines in the Netherlands and abroad with PWM technology (LeapBox). This year, the camera technology for online precision spraying is also operational and has been installed on the first practical machines in the Netherlands.

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Smits
Martin Smits Machinery writer