The R&D team at Kuhn have been working in partnership with Carbon Bee on a new concept named iSpray.

The concept is designed to locate and spot spray weeds, and only weeds, in an attempt to reduce the amount of plant protection products used.

The concept uses hyperspectral sensors mounted at 3m intervals along the boom. These sensors are constantly scanning for weeds ahead of the sprayer.

Artificial intelligence is used to analyse the images and recognise the species that need treating. Only the required nozzle is then opened to spray only the targeted plant. The trials are being carried out on a sprayer with a 24m boom and at speeds of up to 15km/h.

Kuhn claims this technology opens the possibility of managing herbicide resistance by using more targeted active substances. The company has said that initial figures in reducing the use of chemicals are promising, and trials have recorded a reduction rate up to 80%.