Weeding Out Inefficiency: U of G Engineer Developing Robotics for Lima Bean Farmers

Precision spraying is being reimagined with a smart technology upgrade. 

Dr. Medhat Moussa, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, together with industry partners, has developed an automated agricultural robotic system to help farmers manage weeds in lima bean crops.  

Developed at the Robotics Institute at Guelph, the technology is a tractor attachment that uses computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to scout for weeds. The system generates weed density maps of entire fields that can be used to create precision application plans for chemical herbicides. These maps guide farmers in applying herbicides only where needed, saving time, reducing chemical use and cutting costs. 

Better weed removal ultimately leads to healthier crops, higher quality yields and lower production losses.   

“Our system enhances traditional weed mitigation that farmers are familiar with by allowing them to do it much more efficiently,” says Moussa. “It makes the scouting process faster and more precise than manual methods at a more affordable price point compared to other solutions.”