Robotic spraying of weeds in potato and volunteer potatoes in Denmark & Switzerland

Objectives: Weed control and volunteer potato management are becoming increasingly challenging for farmers due to rising input costs, stricter regulations, and growing pressure to reduce environmental impact. This pilot demonstrates how robotic, ultra-high precision spraying can replace conventional blanket spraying with a more efficient, cost-saving, and sustainable alternative.

In commercial potato fields in Denmark and Switzerland, the Ecorobotix ARA precision sprayer uses artificial intelligence and advanced vision and perception technology to identify individual plants in real time. The system accurately distinguishes potatoes, weeds, and volunteer potatoes in different crops and applies herbicides only where needed and in micro-doses. This plant-by-plant approach drastically reduces chemical use compared to traditional spraying, while maintaining effective weed control.
The pilot also explores AI-assisted field monitoring using drones, led by the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), the pilot case partner responsible for drone-based agronomic validation. Drone data are used to validate spraying performance and support agronomic decision-making.

Expected results include major savings on plant protection products of up to 95%, lower labour requirements, and a reduced risk of crop damage. By spraying less but more accurately, farmers can cut costs, improve productivity, and comply more easily with environmental and regulatory requirements. Precision spraying also supports resistance management by avoiding unnecessary treatments. Drone imagery complements field scouting by agronomists, saving time while providing a clear overview of weed pressure and treatment success.

Practical recommendations:
Farmers aiming to move towards sustainable and profitable crop protection should consider ultra-high precision sprayers, especially where herbicide costs, labour availability, or environmental constraints are limiting factors.