Lamma: Standen shows camera-guided Steketee weeder
An automatic weeder is set to be presented for the first time on Standen Reflex’s stand.
Capable of operating at speeds of up to 3.5kph, the Steketee IC has been developed in partnership between Steketee and Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
The new weeder “sees” the crop through use of four cameras positioned in an enclosed hood illuminated within by LED lighting to prevent sunlight or shade affecting image definition and performance while still allowing night operation.
A computer then has the task of identifying the height, width and colour of the crop and controlling the timing of the blade entry and exit between the plants – the weeding process is performed by reciprocating blades opening and shutting at up to six times/second – their actual speed dictated by forward speed and plant spacing.
