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Recognition results from the old model algorithm
Recognition results from the new model algorithm
Winter onions are typically sown from mid-August to September in lowland areas and mild climates and develop two to three leaves before the onset of cold. Most weeds do not survive low temperatures, although some species persist over winter. Mayweed or groundsel, for example, often overwinter in the rosette stage and resumes growth early in spring when temperature rises. Therefore, weed control in fall is essential as mayweed and groundsel become difficult to fight using conventional solutions after their winter growth.
Ecorobotix offers an effective solution to control weeds surviving winter. The ARA ultra-high-precision (UHP) spot sprayer uses the Plant-by-Plant AI™ weeding technology to apply specific and effective dose of herbicides to fight big problematic weeds. This is particularly true in Switzerland, Germany, France, England and the Netherlands for well-established groundsel, where growers face a lack of selective molecule options.
Set up with a security zone, the ARA UHP spot sprayer can sharply apply a non-selective contact herbicide on groundsel intertwined with onions without affecting the crop development but breaking groundsel expansion.
This highlights the improvements that were needed for the model.
Interestingly, client feedback from 2025 brought up some defects in mayweeds recognition. This issue was tackled during the off season, and the mayweed detection was improved and implemented for an updated onion algorithm for 2026. This shows the agility of the onboard software powered weeders, their constant evolution and how much feedback from our customers is crucial to keep improving our product.
By combining early-season intervention with ultra-high-precision application, the ARA UHP spot sprayer provides an efficient and targeted solution to manage problematic weeds that survive winter in onion crops. It is particularly well suited to situations where autumn treatments were not possible or effective due to weather constraints, limited time windows, or reduced control efficacy. Ecorobotix Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology helps growers to significantly reduce weed pressure in early spring, optimize herbicide use, while protecting crop development and addresses the limits of conventional weed control strategies.
