The Challenge: Manual Lettuce Thinning Is Costly, & Often Inconsistent Across The Field
Thinning refers to the selective removal of young plants seeded at high rates, to allow crop adequate spacing and optimal growth. Lettuce thinning is a labor-intensive, time-sensitive task that traditionally requires large field crews and results in inconsistent spacing due to human variability (Chu et al. 2016). Rising labor costs, crew shortages, and the need for greater precision in crop management make manual thinning an increasingly unsustainable solution for commercial lettuce producers.
The Solution: Plant-by-Plant AI
Ecorobotix’s ARA Lettuce Thinning algorithm offers a smarter, faster, and more precise alternative to manual thinning. Using high-resolution cameras combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI), ARA identifies each lettuce plant individually and determines optimal spacing with sub-inch accuracy. This ensures uniform stands and reduces the burden of manual labor. The system operates with a single driver, dramatically reducing labor costs and time in the field. Existing ARA owners can easily activate thinning through a software license—no new equipment and no technical adjustments, such as nozzle position depending on row number or spacing, are needed.
Case study in Californian lettuce: ARA vs. manual thinning
For instance, ARA reduces thinning operational costs by 65% compared to manual labor.
Thinning
Workers
Time/acre
Cost/acre*
Manual
29
15 min
$117
ARA
1
15 min**
$38 (incl. $5.4 labor costs)***
* using an equipment operator wage rate of $21.70/hour and field labor rate of $16.10/hour (Mosqueda et al. 2017) ** based on a speed of 2 mph, a 6 m working width, and an additional 20% margin *** including a material consumption of 8 gallons/acre (Suppress used at 9% costing $45/gallon)
Why Choose Ecorobotix' ARA UHP Sprayer?
Besides being a reliable weeding solution in different crops, ARA offers unique features and possibilities.
Flexibility
By selecting the optimal and minimum spacings, the operator has the entire control of the plant selection process. These settings allow to adapt the thinning to each field according to the seeding, the emergence quality and the desired plant density. By lowering the minimum spacing, farmers can choose to increase the flexibility in plant choice, optimizing the density of kept crops.
All-in-one solution
While other AI thinning technologies do not address the issue of multiple plants (two or more closely seeded plants overlapping), ARA goes a step further: once the multiplant removal option is activated, plants that are too close together to be individually sprayed can now be accurately detected and eliminated. Thus, the number of multiple plants remaining after thinning can be reduced by up to 85%1 compared to competing technologies, achieving results comparable to manual thinning.
ARA can operate at speeds up to 3.5 mph while thinning covering 8 acres per hour. ARA thinning technology uses significantly less herbicides than competing systems (Mosqueda et al. 2017), averaging only 8 gallons per acre in lettuce2.
The sooner the better
To maximize thinning accuracy and efficiency with our spraying technology, it is recommended to intervene before leaf overlaps occur between plants. Ecorobotix’s models are trained to recognize the crop from the one–true leaf stage, enabling earlier operations in the field. Moreover, early-stage applications allow for greater chemical savings, as lower doses and spray volumes are sufficient to thin lettuce effectively.
With the ability to thin, weed, and treat crops, ARA becomes a versatile tool that maximizes return on investment (ROI) and operational efficiency.
Depending on seeding distance, row number, and selected parameters ↩︎
References
Chu Q, Liu J, Bali K, et al (2016) Automated thinning increases uniformity of in-row spacing and plant size in Romaine lettuce. HortTechnology 26:12–19
Mosqueda E, Smith R, Goorahoo D, Shrestha A (2017) Automated lettuce thinners reduce labor requirements and increase speed of thinning. Calif Agric 72:. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2017a0018
Lettuce Farming with Ultra High Precision
Learn how Ecorobotix’s ARA sprayer and its groundbreaking lettuce algorithm help reduce plant protection product use by up to 80%, ensuring healthier crops and more sustainable farming.
The Plant-by-Plant artificial intelligence technology (AI) is now being expanded to support a wide range of cabbage types, bringing Ultra-High Precision weed control to some of the most delicate and diverse crops.
The Challenge: Weed Control in Mixed Cabbage Fields
Cabbage crops present a unique challenge: different shapes, growth habits, and leaf textures make selective weeding difficult, especially in organic or reduced-input systems. These complexities often lead to input waste and crop damage when using traditional broadcast spraying. To overcome this, Ecorobotix applies Ultra-High Precision AI, treating only what’s necessary, while protecting each plant individually.
The Solution: Advanced AI for Complex Crops
Our new Various Cabbages Algorithm identifies a wide range of cabbage types, enabling selective treatment of weeds, even when they grow closely beside valuable crop heads. With real-time image recognition and a 6×6 cm print, the ARA™ system applies only what is needed, exactly where it is needed. The algorithm will support the following cabbage types:
ARA Sprayer revolutionises weed control for Australian veggie grower
Experience Usecase
How an ARA™ Sprayer Transformed Rumex Control in Haute-Savoie, France
Press Release
Ecorobotix Demonstrates Major Cost Savings and Effective Weed Control in California Cotton
Research & Development
Facing weeding without metribuzin in carrots
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Ecorobotix Adds Stefano Rettore to Its Board of Directors
Press Release
Ecorobotix Invests $50 Million to Expand U.S. Operations to Bring Swiss-Engineered Precision Spraying Technology to American Farmers
Research & Development
Ultra-High Precision Spraying Opens the Door to Bioherbicides
Press Release
Maya Becomes Part of the Ecorobotix Group
Cauliflower
Our Plant by Plant artificial intelligence technology (AI) is now available for cauliflower, helping farmers to reduce chemical usage while protecting every valuable plant.
Precise weed control with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Our advanced Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology detects weeds of sub-centimeter size in your broccoli and your cauliflower fields, even between the crop. It targets them in less than 1/4 of a second on a footprint as small as 6 by 6cm.
Scan and detect weeds with AI
Our advanced Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology detects weeds of sub-centimeter size in your broccoli crop. It targets them in less than 1/4 of a second on a footprint as small as 6 by 6 cm.
With ARA™, as the broccoli plants are no longer touched during herbicide applications, phytotoxicity is drastically reduced. The result: a gain of 3 to 4 days in production time. The plant retains its full vigour and early maturity right from the start.
— Christophe Stoll Switzerland Stoll production SA
Up to 95% Reduction in Plant Protection Product Use
ARA precisely applies herbicides, insecticides, fertilisers and biostimulants only where needed.
A case study, conducted by our agronomists, highlights the agronomic value of ARA™ in a challenging weed management scenario. Although each crop runs its own tailored detection algorithm, the cauliflower and broccoli models function with the same exact same logic. In a broccoli crop heavily infested with redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and lacking effective post-emergence solutions, ARA™ enabled the safe use of a herbicide through its safety zone feature.
The grower had no window for mechanical weeding because of weather, soil conditions and time constraints. Only ARA™ was possible.
Left: non treated, right: ARA™ treatment with a herbicide, 2 cm security zone
Field trials completed with ARA™ with non-selective herbicide, 2 cm security zone.
Proven Benefits
-> Delivers input savings through targeted applications and
crop-only treatments, including insecticides, fungicides, and
biostimulants.
-> Reduces manual labor requirements.
-> Offers 6 operating modes in a single solution for every growth
stage; ARA™ adapts to each field situation with dedicated
modes.
-> Enables in-row weeding even under suboptimal field
conditions.
Ready to See ARA in Your Fields?
Test our AI-powered spot-sprayer on your crops and see what one pass can already do for your bottom line.
Weed control in broccoli and cauliflower is becoming increasingly complex as the number of approved herbicide active ingredients declines. However, ARA™, powered by our algorithms, opens new opportunities for weed control.
Precise weed control with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Our advanced Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology detects weeds of sub-centimeter size in your broccoli and your cauliflower fields, even between the crop. It targets them in less than 1/4 of a second on a footprint as small as 6 by 6cm.
Scan and detect weeds with AI
Our advanced Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology detects weeds of sub-centimeter size in your broccoli crop. It targets them in less than 1/4 of a second on a footprint as small as 6 by 6 cm.
With ARA™, as the broccoli plants are no longer touched during herbicide applications, phytotoxicity is drastically reduced. The result: a gain of 3 to 4 days in production time. The plant retains its full vigour and early maturity right from the start.
— Christophe Stoll Switzerland Stoll production SA
Up to 95% Reduction in Plant Protection Product Use
ARA precisely applies herbicides, insecticides, fertilisers and biostimulants only where needed.
A case study, conducted by our agronomists, highlights the agronomic value of ARA™ in a challenging weed management scenario. In a broccoli crop heavily infested with redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and lacking effective post-emergence solutions, ARA™ enabled the safe use of a herbicide through its safety zone feature.
The grower had no window for mechanical weeding because of weather, soil conditions and time constraints. Only ARA™ was possible.
Left: non treated, right: ARA™ treatment with a herbicide, 2 cm security zone
Field trials completed with ARA™ with non-selective herbicide, 2 cm security zone.
Proven Benefits
-> Delivers input savings through targeted applications and
crop-only treatments, including insecticides, fungicides, and
biostimulants.
-> Reduces manual labor requirements.
-> Offers 6 operating modes in a single solution for every growth
stage; ARA™ adapts to each field situation with dedicated
modes.
-> Enables in-row weeding even under suboptimal field
conditions.
Ready to See ARA in Your Fields?
Test our AI-powered spot-sprayer on your crops and see what one pass can already do for your bottom line.
Our award-winning algorithm is revolutionizing the way farmers weed and treat carrot fields. ARA™ optimises weed control by limiting herbicide applications and reducing the need for manual labour.
Precise weed control in carrots with AI
Our Artificial Intelligence Plant-by-Plant AI™ treats weeds with just a spot size of 6 by 6 cm in your carrot crop. Our advanced technology scans, detects and sprays them within milliseconds.
Sub-centimeter plant detection of all weeds Red: targeted weeds. Green: crop
Sub-centimeter plant detection of voluntary potatoes
In some cases, we replace one or two broadcast herbicide applications with an ARA treatment, in order to reduce stress on the crop. Previously, hand weeding was considered an emergency measure: today, it is only very rarely required, since problematic weeds can be efficiently targeted and eliminated earlier using ARA.
— Dennis Großhans, Germany Vegetable Grower
Up to 95% Reduction in Plant Protection Product Use
ARA precisely applies herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and biostimulants only where needed.
Comparison between carrot plots treatment with ARA compared to ‘no treatment’. Thanks to highly precise application your carrot fields are cleared from weeds, leaving behind strong carrots.
Untreated Control
ARA™ Spot Spray, 10 days after treatment
Broadcast
ARA™
Maximise Your Carrot Yields
Increased biomass production is indicated by the earlier closure of crop rows in the ARA treatments compared with broadcast treatment. This observation suggests a tendency toward higher yields in the ARA treatments.
Proven Benefits
-> Volume savings
-> Reduce Phytotoxicity
-> Really good weed control up to 5 leaves in herbicide program without metribuzin
-> More biomass
-> Tendency to better yield
-> Good solution for fighting field morning glory and volunteer potato in carrots
Note: Any use of plant protection products must comply with the official authorisations, authorised conditions of use, and applicable regulations in the country of use.
Carrot Farming with Award-Winning Precision
Discover how Ecorobotix’s ARA sprayer and its new carrot algorithm—winner of the LAMMA 2025 Silver Award—reduce plant protection products by up to 95%.
Get in touch with us to find the right solution for your needs. With ARA units operating in over 20 countries, you’ll be joining a growing global community transforming agriculture!
Ready to See ARA in Your Fields?
Test our AI-powered spot-sprayer on your crops and see what one pass can already do for your bottom line.
As herbicide options become increasingly restricted, weed control in chicory is becoming more complex — especially in a slow-growing crop with high weed competition. However, ARA™, powered by our Chicory algorithm, offers a targeted and flexible solution for modern weed-control strategies.
Precise weed control in chicory with AI
Our advanced Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology detects weeds of sub centimeter size in your chicory crop, even between the crop without harming them. It targets them in less than 1/4 of a second on a footprint as small as 6 by 6 cm.
Sub-centimeter plant detection of all weeds Red: targeted weeds. Green: crop
We continued our trials this year: same plot, same variety, same sowing date, and the results speak for themselves: the crop’s growth cycle is significantly more advanced when treated with ARA™. The benefits include increased productivity, faster maturity, earlier harvesting under better weather conditions, and, finally, earlier sowing of wheat.
— Laurent Henaut, France Chicory specialist
Up to 95% Reduction in Plant Protection Product Use
ARA precisely applies herbicides, insecticides, fertilisers and biostimulants only where needed.
Early canopy closure: UHP treatments often result in a faster development, enabling crops to reach canopy closure more quickly and uniformly. This leads to less weed competition, and consequenty less herbicide applications.
Furthermore, harvesting can take place under optimal conditions, reducing field losses and ensuring better product quality.
Proven Benefits
-> Provides greater flexibility thanks to multiple operating modes adapted to crop stage, weed type, and field pressure.
-> Provides precision support for complex situations such as slow crop
development, volunteer potatoes, and monocot/dicot separation.
-> Improves control of hard-to-control broadleaf weeds such as
Amaranthus, Chenopodium, and Polygonum species through targeted
applications.
-> Promotes faster crop development by reducing herbicide injury.
Note: Any use of plant protection products must comply with the official authorisations, authorised conditions of use, and applicable regulations in the country of use.
¿Listo para ver a ARA en sus propios campos?
Pruebe nuestro pulverizador de ultraprecisión con tecnología de IA en sus cultivos y compruebe el impacto positivo que una sola pasada puede tener en su rentabilidad.
Revolutionizing Lettuce Farming. Following extensive field testing, our cutting-edge technology is transforming the way farmers cultivate lettuce crops.
The Challenge: Precise Weed Control in Lettuce Fields
Lettuce farming demands high precision. In the U.S., where lettuce is often seeded, growers face significant costs from manual weeding and broad plant protection product applications. These practices can lead to increased phytotoxicity and reduced crop quality. In Europe, where lettuce is typically transplanted, the main challenge lies in the precise application of insecticides and fungicides to protect young plants without harming them.
The Solution: Plant-by-Plant AI
Ecorobotix’s advanced plant-by-plant AI redefines targeted weed control, ensuring only unwanted weeds are treated with exceptional accuracy. This technology optimizes crop health, reduces plant protection product costs, and enhances yield quality.
Rear view of man in beige shirt walking along cabbage field while working at plantation
About ten days after planting lettuce, I applied fungicide. The lettuce was quite small. Thanks to ARA™, I was able to save around 80% of the product.
— Martin Van Winden, Ferme Hotte & Van Winden, Canada
Lettuce Farming with Ultra High Precision
Learn how Ecorobotix’s ARA™ sprayer and its groundbreaking lettuce algorithm help reduce plant protection product use by up to 80%, ensuring healthier crops and more sustainable farming.
ARA Sprayer revolutionises weed control for Australian veggie grower
Experience Usecase
How an ARA™ Sprayer Transformed Rumex Control in Haute-Savoie, France
Press Release
Ecorobotix Demonstrates Major Cost Savings and Effective Weed Control in California Cotton
Research & Development
Facing weeding without metribuzin in carrots
Press Release
Ecorobotix Adds Stefano Rettore to Its Board of Directors
Press Release
Ecorobotix Invests $50 Million to Expand U.S. Operations to Bring Swiss-Engineered Precision Spraying Technology to American Farmers
Research & Development
Ultra-High Precision Spraying Opens the Door to Bioherbicides
Press Release
Maya Becomes Part of the Ecorobotix Group
Onion
The Onion Algorithm used by the ARA™ UHP Sprayer is setting a new standard in sustainable agriculture. For onion growers, their benefits are great especially when it comes to minimizing phytotoxicity.
Scan and detect weeds with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Our advanced Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology detects weeds of sub-centimeter size in your onion crop, even in the onion rows. It targets them in less than 1/4 of a second on a footprint as small as 6 by 6 cm.
Our advanced Plant-by-Plant AI™ technology detects weeds of sub-centimeter size in your onion crop, even in the onion rows. It targets them in less than 1/4 of a second on a footprint as small as 6 by 6cm.
Visible Results
Phytotoxicity and weed pressure both impact yield quantity. In the example below ARA proves it doesn't just do the job, it actually gets better results than standard broadcast spraying
No herbicides are applied—used as a control in tests. Weak yield results due to uncontrolled weed pressure.
Non-Treated (Class mm)
AI targets specific weeds, spraying only them with selective herbicides. Result shows a higher yield than broadcast spraying.
ARA, Selective (Class mm)
AI sprays only weeds with non-selective herbicides, avoiding crops. Result shows a higher yield than broadcast spraying.
ARA, Non-Selective (Class mm)
Herbicides are sprayed evenly across an entire field, covering both weeds & crops. Weed pressure is controlled, but yield suffered from phytotoxicity.
Broadcast Spraying (Class mm)
We have treated more than 1,750 hectares of onions with ARA, which has allowed us to achieve savings of up to 96% on raw chemical inputs. Of course, this depends on weed pressure and crop growth stage, but we are very satisfied with the results.
— Angus HillUnited Kingdom Agronomist & Farm Support Consultant
Up to 95% Reduction in Plant Protection Product Use
ARA precisely applies herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers only where needed.
Our study, which analyzed nearly 3,000 ARA sprayer missions in onion fields, reveals that ARA saved nearly 80% of herbicide per hectare in 2023 compared to conventional broadcast spraying. Furthermore, ARA efficiently eliminated weeds while reducing the phytotoxic effects of chemical inputs, ensuring higher yields per hectare compared to both conventional application and untreated control.
UntreatedControl
No treatment applied. Onions and weeds are in direct competition for soil nutrients, water and light.
Broadcast Conventional Treatment
Broadcast treatment applied. Onion plants are weakened by the contact with the herbicides. (result shows 7 days after treatment)
ARA Spot Spray Treatment
Onion plot treated with ARA. Precise spraying ensures clean rows and vigorous, healthy crops.(result shows 7 days after treatment)
Each dot shows the herbicide saving for each single mission ARA led in onions in 2023.
Proven Benefits
-> Higher yield potential – By avoiding phytotoxicity, onions grow stronger and bigger.
-> Environmentally Sustainable – Reduce chemical runoff, improve soil health and air pollution.
Upgrade Your Spraying
Get in touch with us to find the right solution for your needs. With ARA units operating in over 20 countries, you’ll be joining a growing global community transforming agriculture!
Ready to See ARA in Your Fields?
Test our AI-powered spot-sprayer on your crops and see what one pass can already do for your bottom line.
After extensive field testing, our cutting-edge technology is transforming the way farmers cultivate spinach crops.
The Challenge: Precision in Spinach Farming
Spinach farming requires precision. Traditional methods often involve high labor costs, excessive use of plant protection products, and imprecise weeding, all of which lead to diminished crop quality, increased environmental impact, and higher expenses. Even after harvesting, leftover weeds can affect packing quality, making precise weed control essential throughout the entire farming process.
The Solution: Plant-by-Plant AI
Our cutting-edge, plant-by-plant AI technology revolutionizes weed control in spinach farming. With unparalleled accuracy, it targets only the weeds, even close to the crop, while keeping phytotoxicity to a minimum. This significantly reduces plant protection product use, lowers labor costs, and improves the yield, health, and overall quality of your spinach harvest.
Experience the future of spinach farming, where technology and sustainability grow hand in hand.
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Research & Development
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Research & Development
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