Kubota and Kilter Collaborate on Next-Gen Autonomous Farming Robots

Kubota, the Japanese agriculture equipment experts, are collaborating with Norwegian tech startup Kilter to develop, pilot, and promote the new Kilter AX-1 ultra high-precision weeding robot across Europe.

This partnership will initially focus on Kubota's vegetable-growing customers in Germany and the Netherlands, specifically targeting farmers cultivating spinach, salad lettuces, herbs, celeriac, and strawberries.

The Kilter AX-1 utilizes a patented technology called Single Drop Technology, which combines AI weed recognition with approximately six millimeter placement accuracy to deliver micro-doses of herbicide directly to weeds, thereby protecting crops and minimizing soil impact.

Kilter claims that adopting the AX-1 could enable growers to reduce herbicide use by up to ninety-five percent. The development of the droplet applicator required extensive engineering and field testing to ensure reliability over long operating days.

Kubota Europe's Smart Farming Solutions Division, established in twenty twenty-four, is collaborating with Kilter to train sales staff and incorporate the AX-1 into Kubota's broader farming solutions portfolio.

Currently, there is no information available regarding pricing or plans for the Kilter AX-1's introduction in North America. This partnership represents a significant move towards enhancing agricultural practices through automation, focusing on sustainability by reducing chemical pesticide use.