Sharpshooter implement uses Verdant Robotics AI to target weeds

By Mike Oitzman | October 22, 2024

Verdant Robotics yesterday unveiled the 2025 Sharpshooter and will debut the robotic weed killer this week at FIRA 2024 in Woodland, Calif. As a smart implement, the Sharpshooter attaches to a tractor and can spray up to 5 acres per hour, day or night. It uses artificial intelligence to target weeds while avoiding crop plants.

Early Sharpshooter customers are experiencing significant savings, cutting chemical inputs by up to 96% and reducing hand-weeding costs by an average of 65%, claimed the company. These efficiencies enable growers to achieve a rapid return on investment, typically within 12 to 24 months, it said.

Hayward, Calif.-based Verdant closed its $46.6 million Series A funding round in 2022.

AI-powered machine vision targets weeds

The Sharpshooter system uses Bullseye Aim & Apply Technology, Verdant Robotics’ proprietary Spatial AI, machine learning, and aiming-nozzle technology. The AI model can distinguish crop plants from weeds and then deliver millimeter-level accuracy for chemical application.

The system sprays plant targets ranging from the size of a dime to that of a dinner plate at a rate of 120 to 480 shots per second. Ninety-nine percent of shots land within 5 mm (0.1 in.) of the target, while efficiently covering up to 5 acres (2 hectares) per hour, said the company.

“At Verdant, our mission is to provide growers with significant value through the application of cutting-edge technology,” said Gabe Sibley, CEO of Verdant Robotics. “The Sharpshooter is the culmination of years of research, field testing, and invaluable grower feedback. It delivers unmatched speed, efficiency, and versatility, giving growers the savings, precision, and control they need.”

Sharpshooter is designed for precision

Verdant Robotics listed the following features of Sharpshooter:

• Fast and lightweight design: The Sharpshooter’s lightweight construction allows for swift, agile operation even in challenging conditions—such as damp fields—boosting efficiency while minimizing soil compaction.
• Optimized for high-density crops: Designed to handle both low- and high-density planting systems, the system can easily navigate crops like lettuce and carrots, said Verdant. Bullseye Aim & Apply ensures comprehensive weed control, thinning, and targeted application, even in tightly planted configurations.
• Weed control for all sizes: The Sharpshooter targets and eliminates weeds of all sizes—from cotyledons to mature weeds—without slowing down. This capability ensures full coverage across the field and extends the operational window for growers.
• Precision control suite: Across many crops and conditions growers have full control of advanced features such as Crop Band Zone detection, 3D Crop Shield, Plant-line Detection, Adaptive Spray Size, and Customizable Safety Buffers.
• Provides insights: Agronomic Performance Reports provide growers with visibility into weed density, coverage, application volume, and more.

Verdant offers limited-time founders plan

Verdant Robotics is offering a limited-time Founders Plan to celebrate the Sharpshooter’s launch. This exclusive support plan includes ongoing software updates, feature enhancements, and access to the Innovator Plan at no additional cost.

The company said this ensures that growers can benefit from continuous improvements and premium support. It is now taking orders for the Sharpshooter Model B 20-ft. implement, but availability is limited.