Another example is Farming Revolution's GT robot, which provides chemical-free weeding across what the company reports as 63 different crop types, from sugar beet to lettuce and cabbage. Operating at industrial scale, the manufacturer states it can cover up to 50 hectares per week when configured for six rows. Weighing approximately 2 tons and roughly the size of a small car, the fully electric GT operates autonomously 24/7, though it requires relatively even field conditions and may need initial setup support for farm integration.

Both systems eliminate the need for herbicides in targeted areas while addressing labor scarcity. The GT's manufacturer notes particular success on German organic farms, where they report weeding labor reductions of up to 70% while maintaining yield quality.

Robots for Precision Spraying & Targeted Application

For operations still requiring chemical inputs, precision spraying systems promise dramatic reductions in product usage. Ecorobotix's ARA provides ultra-high precision spraying by using cameras to differentiate between soil, crops, and weeds in real time, applying treatments only where needed. According to the company's data from nearly 3,000 onion field missions, approximately 70% of operations achieved herbicide savings of 80% or more, with some reaching 98% reduction. However, the system still requires chemicals and works best with supported crop types in relatively prepared field conditions.

Agromačaj A.S., one of Europe's largest onion producers, managing over 12,000 hectares, reports cutting herbicide application from 200 liters to 28.2 liters per hectare in their first year using three ARA units—an 86% reduction according to the company's measurements.

The FarmDroid FD20 offers similar precision spraying capabilities as part of its integrated system, with the manufacturer claiming chemical use reductions of up to 94% through targeted micro-spraying directly onto or around specific plants. The system operates on solar power, though it moves at a maximum speed of 950 meters per hour, making it a relatively slow machine aiming at precision rather than speed.

Robots for disease control & specialized treatments

Some robots address specific crop protection challenges beyond traditional weeding and spraying. Saga Robotics' Thorvald provides chemical-free disease control for high-value crops like strawberries and grapevines by applying high-intensity UV-C light to control powdery mildew during nighttime operations. The company reports that growers can reduce pesticide use by up to 90% while maintaining or improving yield. Currently treating around 20% of the UK's tabletop strawberry production across 13 top-tier growers, Thorvald also operates on nearly 1,500 acres of grapevines in the US. However, the system is specialized for specific crops and diseases, limiting its broader applicability compared to general-purpose weeding or spraying robots.

Robots for integrated seeding & protection

Some systems tackle multiple field operations within a single platform. The FarmDroid FD20 handles both seeding over 50 different crops and vegetables, then provides subsequent plant protection through mechanical weeding and optional precision spraying. Using what the company describes as 8mm RTK GPS precision, the robot marks exact crop positions during seeding, enabling it to later perform targeted mechanical weeding both between and within rows on the same plants it originally seeded. FarmDroid reports that users have seen yield increases of up to 40% due to the precision of the integrated weeding process. However, the system can only weed fields that it has seeded itself. This seed-to-protection approach addresses a key limitation many autonomous systems face: the need for precise knowledge of crop locations.

Harvesting robots

Labor-intensive harvesting operations are beginning to see robotic solutions, including for delicate crops. Fieldwork Robotics has developed systems specifically for raspberry harvesting that use multiple cameras to scan, grade ripeness, and harvest berries without damage. Given that harvesting labor contributes 50-60% of raspberry production costs in markets like the UK and Australia, according to the company, even partial automation could significantly impact profitability. The system is currently in commercial trials with Costa Group, Australia's largest berry grower, demonstrating progression from laboratory to real-world application. However, the technology remains specialized for soft fruit and is still in commercial testing phases rather than widespread deployment.

Multi-purpose robot platforms

Tool carrier robots offer versatility across multiple operations. The AIgro platform serves as an autonomous carrier that can mount various implements including mowers, harrows, and hoes for tasks like weeding, mowing, and cultivation. The manufacturer states it can operate up to 24 hours daily with swappable batteries and navigate using GPS-independent sensor technology. Currently deployed at several Dutch tree nurseries, customers report measurable labor savings and improved soil health, with some purchasing second units. However, the system requires basic infrastructure setup and works best in structured environments like tree nurseries and vineyards rather than open field crops.

Naïo Technologies' OZ represents one of the agricultural robotics industry's earliest commercial successes, providing seeding and weeding capabilities for market gardens while sometimes serving as a carrier or trailer puller. Available for over a decade and designed for operations up to what the company reports as 10 hectares, OZ demonstrates the viability of smaller-scale robotic solutions. However, its capacity limitations make it suitable primarily for market garden operations rather than large-scale commercial farms.

How to choose the right agricultural robot

The solutions featured here represent just a sample of what's being deployed on farms today—many other manufacturers offer similar technologies with different capabilities and price points. What works for a 10-hectare market garden differs significantly from solutions for a 1,000-hectare commercial operation.

The key to success is defining your specific needs and requirements and comparing multiple solutions with budgetary quotes. Critical factors include crop compatibility, field conditions, and expected return on investment. Costs vary dramatically—some systems cost around €45,000 while others exceed €150,000—and some suppliers report payback periods of 1-3 years depending on specific circumstances, although this will always depend on each case.

Getting comparable quotes from multiple suppliers reveals not just price differences, but varying capabilities and suitability for your operation. HowToRobot connects growers with relevant suppliers and helps define project requirements to ensure your scope is achievable and meets your needs. We facilitate comparable quotes from multiple vendors, typically delivered within weeks rather than many months of independent research.

The robots are working on real farms today. The question is which solution will work best for your operation.

Learn how HowToRobot can help