Environmental performance of an autonomous laser weeding robot—a case study

Abstract

Purpose Challenges in sustainable development envisioned in the European Union for the agricultural sector require innovation to raise the efficiency of production and safety of farming processes for farmers and ensure food safety for consumers. One of the key productivity factors in plant production is effective weeding. The WeLASER project aimed to develop a high-power autonomous vehicle with lasers to control weeds. To be sustainable, the invention should have a high environmental performance in the whole life cycle perspective, including its production, use in agriculture, and end-of-life phase. In the publication, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the WeLASER weeding robot is presented. The aim was to identify weak and strong aspects of the invention in environmental terms and provide suggestions for its improvement. Methods The machinery was characterized based on technical data provided by the developers, relevant literature, Ecoinvent 3.8 database, and own calculations. The quantitative assessment of environmental impacts was performed using the Simapro tool. For interpretation Recipe 2016 method (egalitarian perspective) was applied. Results The results show that the energy issue related to autonomous laser-based weeding machine operations is the most challenging. It is related to impacts on climate change indicators and fossil fuel depletion. Production phase is characterized with impacts on human toxicity and is related to extensive application of electronic and electric components in the robot. Conclusion In comparison with other weeding techniques, the high-power autonomous vehicle with lasers to control weeds shows potential for environmentally efficient use of the machinery in practice. Achieving high performance in the life cycle perspective requires improvements in the design, operational features, and smart application in agricultural practice enhanced through expertise, guidance, and advice.

Laser weeding: opportunities and challenges for couch grass (Elymus repens (L.) Gould) control

“…Therefore, it is necessary to use more powerful lasers in autonomous laser vehicles. In the WeLASER project (https:// welas er-proje ct. eu/), the intention was to install 500 W fibre lasers, resulting in a ten times higher weeding capacity 44 .…”

YOLOv7-Based Intelligent Weed Detection and Laser Weeding System Research: Targeting Veronica didyma in Winter Rapeseed Fields

“…In general, weeds can cause a 10% to 20% reduction in rapeseed production, and in severe cases, it can even reduce production by 50% [10]. The main methods of weed control currently used include manual weeding [11], chemical weeding [12], mechanical weeding [13,14], biotechnological weeding [15], and thermal power weeding [16,17]. Among them, manual weeding, chemical weeding, and mechanical weeding are the most commonly used methods in rapeseed fields.…”