Farmers looking to cut costs and improve efficiency may have a new solution in precision spraying technology. At the recent World Ag Expo, Verdant Robotics co-founder and CEO Gabe Sibley introduced the company’s automated spraying system, which he claims is the only one of its kind that can aim before applying chemicals or fertilizers.
According to Sibley, Verdant’s system uses computer vision and motorized nozzles to deliver precise applications at speeds of up to 20 shots per second. This allows farmers to target only the necessary areas, reducing chemical use by up to 97%. The result, he says, is a significant reduction in input costs while maintaining or improving crop health.
“The machine can apply anything from a dime-sized droplet to a dinner plate-sized area with pinpoint accuracy,” Sibley said. “This technology not only saves growers money on labor and chemical costs, but it also creates new opportunities for applying treatments that were previously impractical.”
Verdant Robotics began operations in 2020 and initially provided services for apple orchards. The company transitioned to selling its robotic sprayers directly to growers last year. The system, designed for high-density specialty crops, is lightweight to prevent soil compaction and operates at speeds of up to 10 acres per hour.
Sibley emphasized the rapid return on investment (ROI) for farmers using the technology, stating that, depending on the crop, the machine can pay for itself within 12 to 24 months. “The efficiencies are here now, and growers can take advantage of them today,” he said.
For more information, Verdant Robotics provides details on its website, verdantrobotics.com, where farmers can explore whether the system fits their specific needs.
As input costs continue to rise, precision spraying technology like Verdant’s may offer a cost-effective alternative for farmers looking to maximize efficiency and profitability.
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