Ag Machinery News

PASCO, Wash. and YUMA, Ariz. (AgPR) October 2024 – Spray drift is a major concern for farmers and governments alike, as it wastes resources and harms neighboring crops, ecosystems, and public health. Strict regulations have emerged to address this, and innovations in spray technology are key to compliance. Ecorobotix’s ARA ultra-high precision sprayer addresses this problem head-on, reducing drift by up to 95%, as shown in recent studies in Germany and the Netherlands. While both certifications apply only to the current ARA model and are nationally recognized, these results demonstrate ARA’s strong potential for global drift reduction, making it a valuable solution to this widespread challenge.

The ARA sprayer has earned recognition on the Dutch DRT-list (Drift Reducing Technique), achieving a class 95% drift reduction, following a thorough assessment by the Technical Committee for Technology Assessment (TCT). This listing helps Dutch farmers comply with plant protection product regulations and environmental conservation efforts, provided the technique is used according to the prescribed settings.

In Germany, ARA has similarly been recognized by the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) and included in the "Verzeichnis Verlustmindernde Geräte" (Directory of Loss-Reducing Devices). The system achieved certification of 95% drift reduction, demonstrating that, when operated under specified conditions—including specific nozzle spacing and shielding—ARA can significantly reduce chemical drift. These certifications allow German farmers to comply with regulatory standards while minimizing environmental impact.

One of ARA’s key strengths is its ability to reduce drift even in difficult weather conditions. In areas prone to strong winds, ARA’s precise spray technology and protective covers help keep drift to a minimum, providing farmers greater flexibility in their operations. Ecorobotix’s ARA sprayer reduces the use of plant protection products by 60-95% compared to traditional broadcast sprayers, thanks to its ultra-high precision 6x6cm spraying footprint. This allows farmers to significantly lower both input usage and manual labor costs.

About Ecorobotix
Ecorobotix is a Swiss Certified B Corporation® dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture through artificial intelligence and high-precision technology. Our mission is to promote environmental sustainability by reducing the use of plant protection products and minimizing soil impact. We have developed the ARA precision sprayer, featuring our innovative AI Plant-by-Plant™ software, which allows for precise, plant-by-plant detection and spraying during crop treatment. This technology significantly reduces the amount of product used, enhances crop yields, and lowers CO2 emissions.