The University of Idaho has developed an autonomous robot that uses artificial intelligence to precisely remove weeds, providing a new solution to improve the efficiency of reforestation on the nation's forests. This robot can identify and remove half-inch-wide weeds, reducing the cost of manual weeding and reliance on chemical pesticides, which is of great significance to environmental protection and sustainable development. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of Project Evergreen, which aims to achieve the REPLANT Act goal of reforestation 4 million acres of U.S. forests over the next decade.
A computer science research team at the University of Idaho, Coeur d'Alene, successfully demonstrated an autonomous robot that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to accurately remove weeds. The three-foot-wide wheeled robot scans, identifies and precisely strikes half-inch-wide weeds, eradicating them with electric shocks.
Following a demonstration at the U.S. Forest Service's Coeur d'Alene sapling nursery, the R&D team plans to add rain-proof housing to the robot's hardware, improve the electrical components, and improve the AI's accuracy in identifying weeds. Data collection and testing will continue into next year.
The robot was designed in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the efficiency of reforestation within the National Forest System. The University of Idaho announced in January it had received a $139,000 USDA award to develop the system as part of Project Evergreen.
"This is about sustainability," said Kas Dumroese, a former Forest Service senior research scientist. The robotic device developed at the University of Idaho exemplifies the Forest Service's commitment to conservation leadership and biodiversity. Automated weeding will reduce labor costs and chemical requirements. Dependence on pesticides and fossil fuels, improve the adaptability of native plants, and strengthen reforestation efforts.”
Coeur d'Alene Nursery is one of six Forest Service facilities nationwide. The Forest Service spends up to $500,000 each year on controlling weed growth in nurseries, with much of the weeding done by hand. Reducing weeds helps tree seedlings better absorb soil nutrients, thereby reducing nursery costs and improving reforestation results.
The Forest Service is mandated to increase reforestation efforts under the REPLANT Act, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, with the goal of reforesting 4 million acres of U.S. forests and planting more than 1.2 billion trees over the next decade.
"This effort is a win-win for both the Forest Service and the university," Dumroese said in announcing the initial funding. "The university leverages its expertise and facilities to develop intelligent robots while developing students' professional skills in the field. For the Forest Service, This collaboration helps meet the requirements of the REPLANT Act, achieves the sustainability goals of the nation’s forests, and provides benefits to the public.”
Highlight:
- **AI Precision Weeding**: The wheeled robot uses AI technology to identify and remove weeds.
- ? **Reforestation Partnership**: Partner with USDA to improve reforestation efficiency in the National Forest System.
- ? **Funding and Projects**: Received USDA funding as part of Project Evergreen.
This artificial intelligence-driven weeding robot technology not only improves reforestation efficiency, but also contributes to environmental protection and sustainable development, and has broad prospects for future development. Its application also provides new ideas and technical support for other agricultural and forestry fields.