MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho recently showcased an advanced robotic device that eradicates weeds within the Coeur d'Alene Nursery.
According to a press release, the robot is a 3-foot-wide autonomous wheeled robot, which was designed by U of I computer science students. It uses artificial intelligence to can, identify and precisely locate weed growth up to one-half inch. The robot uses electricity to eradicate weeds.
“It’s all about sustainability. The robotic device U of I is developing underscores the Forest Service’s commitment to conservation leadership and biological diversity,” said Kas Dumroese, a retired senior research scientist for the U.S. Forest Service who led the initial development of the project. “Autonomous weed eradication will reduce our labor costs and reliance on chemical pesticides and fossil fuels, improving locally adapted plants and strengthening reforestation efforts.”
The project is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve reforestation efforts.
Dumroese was joined by representatives from all six Forest Service nurseries nationwide to watch the robot in action.
According to a press release, the U.S. spends approximately $500,000 annually on weeding at national tree seedling nurseries. Reducing weeds is beneficial for soil nutrients, strengthening selling quality, reducing nursery costs and improving reforestation overall.
The next step for the robot will include adding on weatherizing hardware, improving electrical components and using images that are captured by the robot to improve weed identification.
Data collection and testing will continue through 2025. Future projects for the robot will include system testing in other nurseries, as well as using weather data to help with weed management efforts.
U of I recently earned a grant from the USDA to develop the robot.
According to a press release, The U of I team includes computer science graduate students Garrett Wells of Boise and Brent Knopp of Coeur d’Alene; undergraduate student Kevin Wing of Coeur d’Alene; John Shovic, director of U of I’s Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics; and Mary Everett ’20, ’23 of Lewiston, a postdoctoral researcher at the center.
“Working with industry, our students can fully understand the needs of the people behind the goal,” Shovic said. “Our students take the hands-on experience they gain at the center and use it to fulfill a real need at the national level.”
