Agricultural Technology Autonomous Weed Robot With Lightweight Linear Technology

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The AX-1 robot from the Norwegian start-up Kilter autonomously and precisely applies herbicides to weeds— thanks to AI and sensor technology. It uses the lightweight and lubrication-free linear technology from the Drylin series by Igus.

Developing sustainable machinery for agriculture is a challenge, as alternative components are often required. A prime example is Kilter: the Norwegian company has developed the AX-1. This fully automated agricultural robot autonomously navigates fields using GPS. It detects weeds with a vision system and artificial intelligence. Instead of spraying herbicides broadly, the robot precisely applies tiny droplets to the weeds via a nozzle system—similar to the precision of an inkjet printer. "Thanks to this targeted application, we can increase yield by up to 35 percent, as crops thrive without weed pressure and their metabolism is no longer affected by herbicides," says Anders Brevik, CEO of Kilter. At the same time, chemical usage is reduced by 95 percent.

The Challenge: Soil-Friendly Technology

The solution from Norway also protects the soil, both through reduced chemical usage and the design of the robot itself. "It was important to us that the AX-1 operates as environmentally friendly as possible, even technically," says Trygve Weum, designer at Kilter. At the same time, the components needed to be as lightweight as possible to minimize soil compaction during operation. This was particularly challenging for the adjustment mechanism of the spray module, as most available linear systems use lubricants and are relatively heavy. "We were therefore relieved when we found a lubricant-free and lightweight solution at Igus," Weum adds.

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Drylin Linear Module Adjusts the Spray System to the Plant Height

To adjust the height of the spray nozzle module to the current plant height, the Kilter engineering team uses a linear module from the Drylin SLW-25120 series by Igus. The system is based on a Drylin-W linear guide made of hard-coated aluminum and a trapezoidal leadscrew with an electric motor. By rotating the leadscrew, the nut moves along an axis— and with it, a linear carriage connected to the spray nozzle module. The base weight of the SLW-25120 is approximately 13 pounds, with an additional 2 pounds per 4 inches stroke length.

No grease is required for the movements of the nut and the carriage. The nut and sliding bearings of the carriage are made of a plastic that incorporates microscopically small solid lubricants. These enable low-friction dry operation. "Equally important is that no grease can mix with dust from the field to form a friction-increasing paste," adds Weum. "This makes the mechanics significantly more reliable." Farmers also save time as there is no need for relubrication.

Robust Module for Increased Reliability

The Norwegian engineers at Kilter were also impressed by the robustness of the linear module. Conditions in the field can be physically demanding. "The torsion-resistant double-shaft construction ensures high stability. With a maximum axial load capacity of 2,500 N and a permissible radial load of up to 10,000 N, the system offers more than enough safety margin to reliably move the approximately 60 kg spray module for years," says Michael Hornung, product manager for Drylin linear and drive technology. This leaves sufficient allowance for additional loads, such as impacts in the field. "We greatly appreciate the robustness of the linear module," adds Weum. "The module plays a crucial role in the robot's reliability and, therefore, in the satisfaction of farmers."

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