The Ullmanna Newman weeder uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide highly precise row crop weeding.
The Newman multi-row machine from Czech Republic manufacturer Ullmanna is being exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by North Yorkshire-based JF Hudson.
While robotic weeders are achieving savings in labour costs for many growers, the addition of AI gives the machine the ability to identify weeds and remember to improve its accuracy.
“We are already heavily involved with row-crop machinery, and not least weeders, but the Newman is particularly exciting because it learns new crops from an initial drive-through and, thereafter, by automatically loading 3D images and data to the cloud, is able to improve its own performance and speed. Furthermore, every row on a machine can learn from every other row on every other machine by accessing the stored data,” said JF Hudson director James Hudson.
Early weeding
He added: “The manufacturer points out that weeding can be carried out from the two-leaf stage. The machine’s camera detects the crop plants, and flashlights provide consistent lighting at ground level for operation in varying levels of natural light 24/7.”
Ullmanna said these latest machines remove the need for calibrations and extensive set-up time and are available in one- to 16-row variants. The company also said there is no need for the tractor driver to be highly proficient in AI technology.
There are two possible set-ups – within-row weeding, or within-row plus inter-row – and the company said the accurate recognition of crop plants in heavily infested fields is no problem.
Mr Hudson said: “The machine will cope with in-row spacings from 8cm, and between-row widths from approximately 25cm. On the tractor, one hydraulic connector is required for side-shift and standard 7 pin lights connector. There is an Isobus or direct connection to the battery for power and, while GPS steering is not necessary, it can be a useful feature to have in this application. A pneumatic compressor can be included on the weeder, in which case a hydraulic connector with free-flow return is required, or the tractor’s air supply can be sufficient.”
Prices start at £65,000, excluding optional extras and are grant fundable under the 2025 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, which opens later this month.