b'According to Greenan, the R2 Weed2 is capable ofTheres an added benefit on the herbiciderobotic control system and the robot itself was put removing weeds from multiple crops and is able to rec- resistance front because with our solution were nottogether by Nexus Robotics lead mechanical engi-ognize those crops at different stages of their growth.using herbicides, but actually pulling the weeds outneer, Marlon Wauchope.The battery-operated robot, which has a 1.5-me- of the ground, which will eliminate any herbicide-re- Greenan, who was invited to discuss the benefits tre square frame and wheels that can be adjustedsistant weeds that remain in the field. I think thatof the R2 Weed2 robot with farmers at the Ontario to conform to common tractor wheelbases, can workcould help farmers who have herbicide resistancePotato Conference in Guelph, Ont., in 2018, says the 24/7something that not only speeds up weedingissues, he says. first version of the weeder turned some headsbut also cuts down on labour costs. Greenan points out herbicide resistance is aand impressed the judgesat an international Greenan says the robot is not only capable ofgrowing problem for potato producers in many partsagricultural robotics competition called the agBOT weeding at night but its actually easier for its visionof the country.challenge in Rockville, Ind., two years ago. system to operate in conditions when the only lightI think thats going to present a really bigFacing tough competition from U.S. universities, is being produced by the machine itself. He addschallenge [going forward], he says. I believe aGreenan and his team managed to take home first the R2 Weed2s vision system is also better than thetechnology like this, that could decimate the herbi- prize in the Weed and Feed category.human eye at detecting tiny weeds just emergingcide-resistant weed populations, would be a hugeWe went there with very low expectations, says from the soil. step forward for the potato industry. Greenan. We actually had a team meeting a few Greenan says his robotic weeder addresses aGreenan says Jad Tawil, the companys chiefdays before we were planning to leave and talked serious agronomic issue many farmers face. technology officer, developed the software for theabout whether it was actually worth it for us to drive The NexusRobotics leadership team (left to right): Marlon Wauchope, lead engineer; Jad Tawil, chief technology officer;and Teric Greenan,the companys founder and CEO.30 SPUDSMART.COM WINTER 2020'