Solinftec testing weed killing robot

West Lafayette-based agricultural technology company Solinftec is expanding its lineup of autonomous field robots. The company has unveiled its Solix Sprayer robot that is able to detect and spray weeds in an eco-friendlier way.

The spray robot is powered by four solar panels that control the drive system and the spray system. It detects weeds and diseases and can spot-spray the problem area. Solinftec says the technology eliminates chemical drift from entering adjacent fields or crops.

Solinftec says the robot can cover 96 acres per day depending on terrain. The agtech firm says the sprayer boom height is adjustable, allowing to spray corn up to five-feet-tall.

In April, the company launched a robot that is able examine fields in real-time, including crop health and challenges. Solinftec says its scouting and sprayer robots help farmers reduce their chemical inputs and deliver a lower carbon footprint and environmental impact.

“Solinftec focuses on really solving structural problems in agricultural management and offers solutions that truly promote low-impact agriculture and not only measure or certify the footprint but offers a real solution to reduce your impact,” said Leonardo Carvalho, Solinftec’s director of operations. “Weed detection is a leading issue in fields across the North America and the Solix Sprayer is designed to not only monitor and scan fields like the original scouting version, but detect and manage weeds.”

Carvalho says another benefit is the reduction of soil compaction caused by larger equipment, like tractors or self-propelled sprayers.

Lafayette-based McKinney Corp. will manufacture the Solix spray robot. The company plans to take the robot to market for the 2023 cropping year.