Ten new crop-recognition models are planned for commercial release in 2027, extending precision spraying into additional crops and difficult-to-control weeds.
Ten new plant-detection models are being added to a precision spraying system for 2027, expanding the range of crops and weeds that can be treated using targeted applications.
Swiss technology company Ecorobotix says the new models will become commercially available from March 2027, including models for garlic, leek and potato. A further 55 models, covering potential applications such as pepper, courgette and yellow nutsedge, will be available for users to test free of charge as they are developed.
The company’s ARA sprayer now offers more than 120 plant-recognition and treatment models, using its Plant-by-Plant technology to identify individual plants and target treatment accordingly.
Ecorobotix reports that models reaching commercial status were tested with customers across more than 11,000ha in over 20 countries during 2026. The company says these trials recorded an average reduction in inputs of 86% compared with broadcast spraying. Results will depend on crop, weed spectrum, application conditions and the treatment strategy used.
Targeting difficult weeds
One of the forthcoming models is designed to identify yellow nutsedge, a persistent weed that can be difficult to control with conventional methods. The company cites Swiss research by Agroscope indicating yield losses of 40–71% in sugar beet and potato crops affected by the weed.
According to Ecorobotix, the new recognition model is intended to identify yellow nutsedge and apply a non-selective herbicide directly to the weed while avoiding damage to the surrounding crop. The model is planned for free testing by ARA users from March 2027.
The approach could be particularly relevant where selective herbicide options are limited or conventional control has proved ineffective. However, its performance will need to be assessed under different field conditions and against the range of weeds present.
Potato trials demonstrate targeted treatment
The company also reports positive results from development work on its potato model. In a Swiss trial on potatoes around 10cm high, ARA’s targeted treatment was compared with conventional broadcast spraying, with weed-control efficacy assessed 20 days after application.
The results presented by Ecorobotix indicate that targeted treatments controlled common weeds including annual mercury, redshank and black nightshade. The release does not provide enough detail to draw wider conclusions about performance across all soil types, weed populations or application conditions.
Belgian potato grower Luc Détroz has also used the model across 300ha of potatoes. He reports that a single pass controlled goosefoot and knotweed, with the field remaining weed-free until the end of the season.
More targeted crop care
The expanding model range reflects the growing role of plant-recognition systems in precision crop protection. By treating individual weeds rather than applying products uniformly across the field, the technology aims to reduce chemical use while maintaining control.
Ecorobotix says more than 1,000 ARA machines are in use worldwide and that over 600,000ha have been treated to date. The company is also reporting increased uptake of its carrot model, with treated area rising by more than 80%.
The new models will broaden the potential applications of targeted spraying, although growers will need to consider crop and weed identification accuracy, field conditions, product choice and the economics of treatment when assessing the system.
Further information is available from Ecorobotix.
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