Verdant Robotics is helping growers improve application efficiency through artificial intelligence and precision spraying technology. During a recent interview with Southeast AgNet, Chad Yago, Director of Agronomy Industry Relations and Regulatory Affairs for Verdant Robotics, explained how the company’s Sharpshooter system uses advanced imaging to distinguish crops from weeds and apply products only where they’re needed.
Yago said the system relies on a growing library of images that are used to train the technology to recognize subtle differences between plants.
“We have a team back in the office that uses the machine to capture images and then trains those images so that the system can differentiate crop from weeds,” Yago said.
That level of precision allows growers to make more targeted applications. Whether applying herbicides to weeds or biological products directly to the crop, the system helps reduce unnecessary applications and avoid treating plants that don’t need it.
“If you’re applying a herbicide, we can do that very precisely,” Yago explained. “Or if you want to apply a beneficial onto the crop, we can apply it just onto the crop instead of applying that onto the weeds and helping the weeds grow as well.”
For growers who may be hesitant to adopt new technology, Yago says the company has already demonstrated the system’s capabilities under commercial conditions.
“The financials pencil out,” he said. “We’re running this with about 30 different producers across the country in various geographies with thousands of hours under our belt now. The proof is in seeing this actually run.”
He encourages growers to see the technology in action by contacting a local representative or visiting the company’s website to watch demonstration videos.
According to Yago, once growers see the Sharpshooter operating in the field, they quickly understand how precise application can reduce input costs while maintaining effective crop protection.
For more information about Verdant Robotics and its Sharpshooter technology, visit verdantrobotics.com.