Agritechnica 2025, Hanover – Kubota Corporation has announced a significant strategic partnership with Norwegian agtech startup Kilter to pilot and promote the AX-1, a groundbreaking autonomous spraying robot designed for ultra-precise weed control in vegetable crops. Unveiled at Agritechnica 2025, this collaboration marks a pivotal step in Kubota’s expanding smart farming initiatives and signals a new direction for sustainable agricultural equipment.
The AX-1 robot leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) for weed recognition combined with Kilter’s patented Single Drop Technology (SDT). This sophisticated system enables the robot to identify individual weeds with remarkable accuracy and apply a single, precisely calibrated herbicide droplet directly onto each target with 6 mm precision. This method drastically minimizes collateral damage to crops and significantly reduces the overall volume of chemical herbicides used, with reductions reported to be as high as 95%.
Revolutionizing Weed Management with Precision and AI
Traditionally, weed control has relied on broadcast spraying, manual labor, or mechanical methods, each with limitations. Broadcast spraying can lead to overuse of herbicides, environmental contamination, and crop damage. Manual weeding is labor-intensive, costly, and often difficult to source. The AX-1 robot offers a transformative solution by shifting selectivity from chemistry to technology. Its AI-powered vision system distinguishes between crops and weeds, allowing for targeted application of herbicides only where they are needed. This precision application not only protects valuable crops but also reduces the potential for herbicide resistance and minimizes soil impact and drift, aligning with growing regulatory pressures and consumer demand for sustainably grown produce.
Environmental and Economic Advantages for Farmers
The implications of the AX-1 are far-reaching, offering substantial economic and environmental benefits. By drastically cutting herbicide usage, the robot contributes to a healthier ecosystem and reduces the risk of chemical residues on food products. Furthermore, the autonomous nature of the AX-1 addresses critical labor shortages and rising labor costs faced by farmers. Pilot program participants have reported significant reductions in both herbicide expenses and the need for manual weeding, alongside improvements in crop uniformity and overall yield. This increased efficiency and reduced input cost can lead to enhanced profitability for growers, especially those cultivating high-value vegetable crops.
Kubota’s Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
This partnership underscores Kubota’s commitment to sustainability and innovation within its broader smart farming roadmap. “Sustainability is a core focus for Kubota,” stated Daria Batukhtina, senior manager of strategic business development at Kubota. “Solutions like Kilter’s AX-1 fit perfectly into its innovation portfolio, combining automation, connectivity, and eco-conscious design to build a resilient and profitable future for agriculture”. Kubota has been actively exploring autonomous technologies, as demonstrated by its showcases at CES 2025, which included concepts like the Agri Concept 2.0 electric tractor and a Smart Autonomous Sprayer, signaling a clear trajectory towards integrating advanced robotics and AI across its product lines.
Expanding Reach and Farmer Adoption
The AX-1 robot is initially targeting approximately 15 crops, including popular vegetables like spinach, salads, herbs, celeriac, and strawberries. Kubota plans to expand the pilot program across Europe, with initial distribution and support focused on Germany and the Netherlands through its established dealer network. Early feedback from farmers involved in pilot programs has been overwhelmingly positive. Tjark Uhrbach, a German vegetable farmer, noted, “We’ve used AX-1 for two seasons on celeriac and beetroot and plan to scale up. It’s a great addition to his weed control tools”. The AX-1’s modular design and adjustable track widths ensure it can integrate into existing farming operations, further facilitating farmer adoption.
The Future of Agricultural Equipment is Trending
The integration of AI and robotics in agriculture is a trending development, with companies worldwide exploring similar advancements in precision tools and autonomous equipment. The Kubota-Kilter partnership represents a significant move forward in making these advanced, sustainable tools accessible to a wider range of vegetable growers. As regulatory landscapes evolve and the demand for eco-friendly food production intensifies, innovations like the AX-1 are poised to redefine the future of farming, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and profitability for agricultural operations globally. This development is news that highlights the accelerating pace of technological adoption in the sector.
This article is based on information released at Agritechnica 2025 and recent reports. No specific mention of cannabis cultivation was found in relation to the AX-1 robot’s current applications.
