AI Powered Weed Control Research Begins

OSU partners with Ecorobotix to test precision weed control technology

Ecorobotix has started a multi-year research partnership with Oregon State University to study how artificial intelligence can improve weed management in grass seed production systems. The project is focused on Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue seed crops, which are major parts of Oregon’s global grass seed industry.

The research is led by Dr. Pete Berry, an assistant professor in OSU’s Department of Crop and Soil Science. Dr. Berry is known for his work in precision weed management, weed mapping, spot spraying technology, and the use of image analysis and spectral variation to identify weed species. His research supports data-driven farming methods designed to improve crop health and reduce unnecessary herbicide use.

The new collaboration will test Ecorobotix’s Plant-by-Plant AI system using the company’s ARA Ultra High Precision (UHP) Sprayer. This sprayer has a 20-foot boom and can operate at 4.5 miles per hour. It is designed to detect and treat weeds as small as 2.4 by 2.4 inches. Its advanced vision technology targets problem weeds such as poa annua and Italian ryegrass, which are especially difficult to control in grass seed fields.

Researchers aim to measure how the AI-guided sprayer improves efficiency, selectivity, and overall crop performance. Early results suggest that this technology may greatly reduce herbicide use and labor needs while maintaining seed purity and yield.

“Working with Oregon State University and Dr. Berry allows us to validate our technology in complex, high-value seed systems,” said Katerina Lee, Regional Crop Care Manager at Ecorobotix. “This collaboration represents another important step in demonstrating how our Plant-by-Plant AI and Ultra High Precision spraying can transform weed management for U.S. producers.”

According to Ecorobotix, this project will help show how precision AI tools can support U.S. farmers by improving weed control in high-value seed production. The company says working with OSU strengthens its mission to bring accurate, efficient, and sustainable weed management solutions to producers.