AIWeeder is a fully autonomous weeding robot in the form of a light-weighted (70-80 kg), 4-wheeled electric engines rover, with photovoltaic panels on top, using 100% solar energy to power all onboard systems. The weeding modules are undermounted on a stable delivery system, allowing for precise weeds targeting. A down-facing camera captures images of plants, which are then analysed by Artificial Intelligence based on deep neural networks to distinguish weeds from cultivated plants and guide the weeding modules. The weeds are removed via contact (mechanical) or contactless (energy beam) weeding modules, depending on weed size, type and soil conditions. A front-facing camera aided by smart algorithms helps the robot self-navigate along the rows of plants. Off-the-shelf multi-GNSS (GPS, Galileo) navigation system, combined with both cameras inputs and support software, provides end-of-row turning capability and robust special orientation around the field. Several integrated devices ensure constant 2-way communication with a central company data and monitoring hub.

The proposed solution is very well-suited for weeding in all row crops under 1.2 m in height, giving us a huge market potential, both in EU but worldwide as well. We estimate the total market potential to be >€40B worldwide and €6.5B in EU only. We will however start with a well-chosen initial target market – herbal and aromatic plants and organic vegetable farmers in Southern Europe. Farmers in these regions are the most neglected by competitors both due to the difficulties of weather and terrain but also due to the relatively smaller sizes of farms. For us though this is a great opportunity to both rapid market growth and supporting the general EU trends of more eco-friendly agriculture and fighting the challenges of the climate change.

Our plans for the next 2 years include:

• refine our MVP and produce multiple prototypes to be able to launch an increasing number of field pilots
• further expand our early adopter network in summer and autumn with more organic herbal plants farmers and vegetable growers to diversify feedback and improve our solution's fit across various agricultural settings.
• sign pre-sales agreements with up to 10 farmers for spring 2025 to secure initial revenue in market launch.
• bolster our team by recruiting 10-15 specialists in engineering, software development and AI, enhancing our R&D capacity.
• increase market visibility through industry fairs and events participation, amplifying our outreach and forging strategic connections.
• following successful pilots, secure new investments to accelerate R&D, scale operations and expand team to solidify our leadership in autonomous weeding and field data analysis, with the aim of market launch in 2025.

Here you can see a movie/animation that shows the working principle of the robot at the levels: https://smartfarmrobotix.eu/share_files/SFRLongerVideo-v2.mp4