McConnel autonomous sprayer is spot on

25-10-2021 | Weed/Pest control | News

In conjunction with Harper Adams University College, McConnel is developing an autonomous spot sprayer attachment for its existing ROBOCUT RC56, fitted with Trimble guidance.

McConnel already produces an air-blast sprayer for fitting to the Robocut. - Photo: McConnel — McConnel already produces an air-blast sprayer for fitting to the Robocut. – Photo: McConnel

It is equipped with an RGB camera to capture images of dock leaves, a ground speed radar to monitor forward speeds and an 80-litre tank. The system can identify docks in grassland and selectively targets the weeds using microprocessor control.

Nozzles are spaced about 15cm apart on a 1.5m wide boom and are individually operated by fast-acting valves with pulse width modulation (PWM) control.

Retro-fit

Autonomous operation combines with spot spraying to treat docks in grassland. - Photo: McConnel — Autonomous operation combines with spot spraying to treat docks in grassland. – Photo: McConnel

If proven to be successful, the attachment will join McConnel’s range of detachable Robocut attachments and could be retro-fitted. This range already includes the ROBO-AIR, airblast sprayer for operating in orchards, vineyards and polytunnels.

McConnel is also working on other ‘smart agricultural’ implements, which it hopes to preview in the near future.