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Optimal Weeding: Key parameters

This article outlines the six essential weeding parameters for FarmDroid FD20, emphasizing how adjusting the weeding arm speed and robot driving speed together optimizes performance and delivers precise, efficient weed control.

The weeding settings of the robot can be accessed on page 4.1.2.1 "Weeding Tool Settings - Basic".

To achieve optimal weeding performance, it is essential to meet all 6 key parameters outlined below.

  • CONSISTENT POSITION OF THE PLANTS: This is the primary parameter to monitor closely. Achieving consistent plant positioning depends on thorough field preparation and a precise seeding setup of the robot.

  • DISTANCE BETWEEN THE PLANTS: To enable effective in-row weeding, ensure a minimum distance of 10 cm between each seed.

  • SIZE OF THE BUFFER ZONE: As a general guideline, the buffer zone should be adjusted as the crop increases in size. Keep in mind that expanding the buffer zone will reduce the available in-row area for the weeding arm to operate effectively.

    Consider the two examples below:

    In the first scenario, there is ample space for the weeding arm to move smoothly in and out of the row.



    In this scenario, the seeding distance remains unchanged from the previous example, but the buffer zone is significantly wider, leaving limited space for the weeding arm to maneuver in and out of the row. If you notice weeding inaccuracies under these conditions, consider increasing the speed of the weeding arm or slightly reducing the robot’s driving speed.

  • WEEDING ARM SWATH: The weeding arm swath defines the extent of movement from the closed position (e.g., 0%) to the fully open position (e.g., 100%). A wider swath increases the time needed for the arm to complete its cycle compared to a narrower swath. Therefore, if the swath is extended (for example, from a 10–80% range to a 0–100% range), it is recommended to correspondingly adjust the weeding arm speed in the settings on page 4.1.2.1 "Weeding Tool Settings – Basic."
  • SPEED OF THE WEEDING ARM AND DRIVING SPEED OF THE ROBOT: These two settings are interconnected and directly influence both the operational efficiency and the resulting weeding pattern.
      • Increasing the speed of the weeding arm will allow it to open and close more rapidly. This adjustment is ideal when the robot is operating at higher driving speeds, or when precise cleaning near the crop is required. 
      • Increasing the driving speed of the robot allows it to cover a greater area within the same time-frame; however, this also necessitates a corresponding increase in the speed of the weeding arm to maintain thorough weeding performance.