Agrishow 2024 - Solinftec announces 90% reduction in herbicides with Solix robot

During Agrishow 2024, Solinftec presented the first results obtained by agricultural producers with its Solix AG Robotics robot. Commercially launched a year ago, Solix is the first technology to use artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and care for every part of farm plots, adapting to conditions and constantly learning about the environments it operates in.

The robot, which operates through missions and task association with integrated pest management (IPM), delivered reductions of more than 90% in the use of post-emergence herbicides and desiccation and pre-planting operations in grain crops. In sugarcane, Solix managed to reduce herbicide volume by 45% in post-emergence applications.

"Solix's AI recognition system allows it to identify, check, and perform localized applications," explained Bruno Pavão, Director of Robotic Operations at Solinftec. 

″Solix distinguishes the target crop from major weed species like no other AI can,″ Bruno added.

In addition to reducing the use of agrochemicals, Solix also eliminates pest insects that damage crops through a unique technology developed to attract these aggressors. Based on light waves with different lengths to attract specific orders of pest insects by crop, it attracts them at night and kills adults through electrocution before the egg-laying period. In other words, Solix becomes a live trap for economically damaging insects in any agricultural area regardless of geographical location.

″This capture process helps break the reproductive cycle of pest insects in crops and reduces infestations. Furthermore, Solix's AI is connected to Solinftec's climate data for better combat strategy development in the field for these pests,″ Pavão said.

″In addition to control technologies through the spraying of agricultural chemicals and capture of harmful insects on crops, the robot can monitor the phenological development of plants during their growth. Solix recognizes flaws, vegetative development, and other important indicators for an overview of the plot and farms,″ he added.

Emerson Crepaldi, Solinftec's Director of Operations for South America, said some customers have reported a productivity increase of 10 bags per hectare, as well as a cost reduction in the first crop season in plots monitored by Solix and the entire regenerative AI platform.

″Solix generates strategic data and information for production estimate statistics or decision-making that is no longer predictive but determinant for management,″ Crepaldi said.

The robot captures images of agricultural cultivation through cameras and multispectral sensors. Solix uses two driving methods, which are highly precise GPS (RTK) that allows it to follow previously programmed lines, and computer vision cameras that show the crop location and direct Solix to walk without trampling planting lines. 

This guidance is directed by Solinftec's AI, which identifies the most efficient path and ideal moment, ensuring that Solix only goes where it is needed and, therefore, favoring the development of commercial interest plants. Solix's operation and field monitoring can be done remotely, due to its ability to act through AI. The equipment communicates constantly with the center (COA, CIA, or Sprayer Manager), passing and receiving information such as telemetry, monitoring, and performance data. Furthermore, its engineering allows for the automatic refilling of products in the Sprayer tanks, meaning reduced human contact with chemical products, sustainability, and higher quality.

Solinftec currently monitors 12 million hectares worldwide, of which some 2.8 million hectares are soybean, corn, and cotton producers spread across small, medium, and large properties. In sugarcane, where the company holds over 95% of market share, the monitored area has reached 8 million hectares. "With Solix, the grains sector is expected to surpass sugarcane in a few years," Crepaldi stressed.

The company's financial indicators recorded record growth in recent years. The company has a recurring revenue (ARR) of BRL313 million in 2023. "Solinftec's goal is to grow by more than 20% in 2024," Crepaldi said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)