Cutting-Edge & Chemical-Free: The Evolution of Weed Management at Tripod Farmers

Weeds are one of the most persistent challenges in horticulture, traditionally requiring intensive manual labor or chemical intervention. At Tripod Farmers, we’re changing the narrative by doubling down on our investment in AI-enabled robotic technology.

We recently welcomed the Carbon Robotics Gen 2 LaserWeeder™ to our Bacchus Marsh farm, joining our existing Gen 1 unit. This makes Tripod the only farm in Australia to operate both generations of this technology simultaneously.

Why Laser Weeding?

The Gen 2 LaserWeeder uses high-resolution cameras and AI to identify weeds in real-time. Once a weed is spotted, a precision laser thermal-shocks the plant's growing point without ever disturbing the soil or the surrounding crop.

This technology is a game-changer for several reasons, starting with its contribution to sustainability by allowing for highly effective weed control with zero chemicals, which protects the long-term health of our soil. Furthermore, the AI’s precision enables it to distinguish between a tiny weed and a young lettuce leaf with incredible accuracy even at the earliest "strike" stage, while the machine's reliability - bolstered by integrated strobe lighting and a new liquid-cooled system - ensures it can operate consistently across varying light and temperature conditions.

This work is supported by Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) as part of a five-year effort to fast-track autonomous vehicles in Australian horticulture. As early adopters of this technology, we are proud to help prove that high-tech solutions can be both practical and commercially viable for Australian growers.

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