Environmental performance of an autonomous laser weeding robot—a case study

• DOI: 10.1007/s11367-024-02295-w
• Publication Date: 2024-04-08T14:02:12Z
• Authors: Janusz Krupanek; Pablo Gonzales de...; Luis Emmi; Merve Wollweber; Hendrik Sandmann; Karsten Scholle; Duc Di Minh Tran; Joachim Jietse Sc...; Christian Andreasen
• Keywords: Agriculture and Food Sciences; Laser weeding; Life cycle assessment; Non-chemical weed control; EUROPEAN-UNION; Precision agriculture; Farm robot; CONSUMPTION

Abstract Purpose Challenges in sustainable development envisioned the European Union for agricultural sector require innovation to raise efficiency of production and safety farming processes farmers ensure food consumers. One key productivity factors plant is effective weeding. The WeLASER project aimed develop a high-power autonomous vehicle with lasers control weeds. To be sustainable, invention should have high environmental performance whole life cycle perspective, including its production, use agriculture, end-of-life phase. In publication, assessment (LCA) weeding robot presented. aim was identify weak strong aspects terms provide suggestions improvement. Methods machinery characterized based on technical data provided by developers, relevant literature, Ecoinvent 3.8 database, own calculations. quantitative impacts performed using Simapro tool. For interpretation Recipe 2016 method (egalitarian perspective) applied. Results results show that energy issue related laser-based machine operations most challenging. It climate change indicators fossil fuel depletion. Production phase human toxicity extensive application electronic electric components robot. Conclusion comparison other techniques, weeds shows potential environmentally efficient practice. Achieving perspective requires improvements design, operational features, smart practice enhanced through expertise, guidance, advice.