Following intensive development and testing, Escarda Technologies from Germany introduces its CE-certified laser weed control system to the market. The AI powered herbicide-free control solution, detects weeds from 3 mm in size.
The technology of the Berlin based company, eliminates weeds safely and precisely using laser technology, without chemicals or soil damage. This makes the system suitable for both organic and conventional farming. The patented laser weed control system is based on a certified safety concept, awarded the CE mark by German testing institute Dekra.
Precise, reliable and sustainable
The Escarda system integrates high-precision laser technology with a powerful camera. Trailed by a tractor, the camera on the Escara weeder continuously captures images of the field, which are analyzed in real time by an AI-powered system. When the AI detects a weed growing alongside a crop, it activates the precision laser to destroy the unwanted plant at its root. The camera can identify weeds as small as 3 mm, ensuring early-stage removal.
Currently, the AI technology is trained to recognize carrots, sugar beets, and tomatoes. Ongoing development aims to expand its capabilities to identify onions, garlic, asparagus, parsnips, and strawberries. The system is already in use with pilot customers, including Morningstar, California’s largest tomato processor.
Modular design for flexibility
One of the key advantages of the Escarda system is its compact, lightweight, and modular design. In a single-row configuration, the laser unit weighs 400 kg and requires only a 60-horsepower tractor, making it significantly flexible. The modular setup allows farmers to adjust configurations for different field sizes and scale capacity by operating up to eight laser units simultaneously. This makes the system suitable for both small farms, as well as large-scale agricultural operations.
