Sabanto and Verdant integrate systems for driverless plant level application solutions
Sabanto Inc. and Verdant Robotics™ have joined their technologies to create an advanced solution for autonomous farming. The integration combines Sabanto’s autonomy retrofit system with Verdant Robotics™’ SharpShooter™ precision application system to allow fully automated field operations without the need for a driver.
The new system enables farmers to carry out complete field work, from navigation to plant-level applications, and using autonomous tractors. The SharpShooter™ system works behind Sabanto-equipped tractors and uses advanced Aim and Apply technology to detect individual plants and weeds. This allows inputs such as fertilizers or herbicides to be applied only where needed, reducing waste, and improving efficiency.
The integrated system communicates through a CAN bus, allowing real-time data exchange between the tractor and the implement. Based on field conditions, the system can automatically adjust tractor speed and implement height. This ensures that operations are carried out with accuracy and consistency, similar to decisions made by a skilled operator.
One of the main benefits of this integration is reducing labor needs. Farmers can operate equipment without a driver in the cab, which helps address labor shortages. The system also supports continuous 24 by 7 operations, increasing productivity and allowing more acres to be covered in less time.
Input savings are another major advantage. By targeting only selected plants or weeds, the system cuts unnecessary chemical use. The lightweight design of the SharpShooter™ also allows for earlier entry into fields, extending the working window.
The technology has already been tested in real farming conditions, including commercial sod production at Bethel Farms. The results have shown reliable performance even in demanding environments.
"Our goal has always been to make full autonomy accessible and immediately valuable for everyone in the ag industry - farmers, implement providers, retailers, input providers, and tractor manufacturers alike. This integration represents another major leap forward in practical, scalable autonomy for agriculture," said Craig Rupp, Founder and CEO of Sabanto Inc.
He added, "By pairing our best-in-class and proven retrofit autonomy system with Verdant's groundbreaking SharpShooter technology, we're giving producers and stakeholders yet another complete solution that works on their existing equipment.”
He continued, “Farmers can run precision operations 24/7, addressing labor shortages head-on while dramatically cutting input costs. Sabanto's philosophy is to deliver on behalf of our customers and to do what's best for them, bottom line. Continuing to build versatility into our offering does just that."
"Growers invested in SharpShooter to reduce inputs, run operations their crews can't always staff, and take back control of their application window. This integration means they can do all of that without an operator in the cab – more acres covered, fewer people required, and the same plant-level precision on every pass," said Gabe Sibley, Co-Founder and CEO of Verdant Robotics. "It brings together autonomy and precision application in a way that directly solves the challenges growers have been asking us to address."
Photo Credit: Verdant Robotics