Application accuracy of a machine vision-controlled robotic micro-dosing system

Experiments with a new concept for the precise application of herbicides in a seed line have been conducted. The concept,combines plant recognition, micro-dosing and autonomous robotics. A machine vision system recognises objects to be sprayed, and a micro-dosing system targets very small doses of liquid at the detected objects, while the autonomous vehicle takes care of the navigation. The experiments were carried out under controlled indoor conditions. The results show that the spray liquid can be applied at subcentimetre accuracy and that the application rate can be reduced by two orders of magnitude compared to recommendations used for conventional broadcast spraying. (c) 2006 IAgrE. All rights reserved Published by Elsevier Ltd.