Andela is redesigning how its AI weeder reaches the plants it detects. In an on-site account published on 27 October, Future Farming describes compact arms for next season that fit in a double row, alongside a developing laser module for smaller weeds.[1]
The existing machine already links plant recognition to physical treatment. Andela’s product specification describes an algorithm that distinguishes crops from weeds, electrical removal and automatic speed adjustment according to weed density. Its listed configurations have six to twelve treatment units; the maximum travel speed is 1,500 metres an hour. Those specifications describe the existing product, not a field test of the redesign.[2]
Making room for another arm
The reported M-pede arms dispense with an angled support, reducing spacing from 45 to 25 centimetres. Two arms can fit behind one another. The account reports throughput rising from three to eight weeds per second per unit, with shorter movements and revised software contributing.[1]
The proposed division of work is also physical: the laser targets small weeds, while the electrical arm handles larger ones or plants sufficiently far from the crop. The combined rate of 15 weeds per second remains a manufacturer expectation; the laser was still being developed during the visit.[1]
Why plant density sets the pace
A treatment rate and a travel speed describe different limits. The manufacturer’s density-dependent speed control connects them: driving into more weeds per metre gives each unit more work before the machine moves past the plants. Recognition must be matched by enough physical interventions.[2]
An original simplified example makes the relationship visible. Imagine one unit covering a one-metre-wide strip at 0.1 metres per second, with one treatment needed per weed. These are invented inputs, not Andela specifications. The unit encounters the strip width multiplied by travel speed multiplied by weed density each second.
Illustrative demand on one treatment unit
| Invented weed density | Required treatment rate |
|---|---|
| 20 weeds per square metre | 2 treatments per second |
| 40 weeds per square metre | 4 treatments per second |
Doubling weed density doubles the required treatment rate at unchanged speed. More arms or a different treatment method can increase the available capacity; simply recognising the extra plants faster does not complete the physical work.
Sources & further reading
- Laser weeding and electrocution at the same time Future Farming / Lucas van de Weijer · 27 Oct 2026 · Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- Andela Robot Weeder Andela Techniek & Innovatie · Accessed 29 Oct 2026