Frequently asked questions

Learn more about our automatic field robot

• HOW DOES FARMDROID WORK?

  Both FarmDroid robots use RTK GPS, not cameras, to place every seed with 8 mm GPS precision and weed mechanically before the crop emerges. The FD20 can also micro-spray with +Spray, cutting chemical use by up to 94%. The FD60 uses mechanical weeding only; it doesn’t carry +Spray.

• What’s the difference between the FD20 and the FD60?

  Same FarmDroid platform, built for different field sizes. The FD20 covers up to 6 hectares a day, up to 12 rows, on solar power alone, with optional +Spray micro-spraying. The FD60 covers up to 18 hectares a day, up to 20 rows, on solar power and an integrated petrol Range Extender as backup power.

• Does FarmDroid use camera systems for crop recognition?

  No, FarmDroid does not use camera systems for crop recognition. Instead, it relies on RTK GPS technology for seeding, weeding, and micro-spraying.

  The high-precision GPS enables the robot to place each seed with 8 mm accuracy and remove weeds around each crop without waiting for the weeds to grow. Similarly, the FD20 can also micro-spray with the same precision, targeting only areas where plant protection substances are necessary, reducing chemical use by up to 94%.

  While the robot is equipped with a camera, it is used to allow the farmer to remotely log into the robot via a dedicated mobile app, providing a real-time view of the robot’s operations.

• Which crops can the farmdroid handle?

  The FD20 seeds and weeds sugar beet, beetroot, onion, spinach, salad, kale, rapeseed, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, flower seeds, and herbs using its +Seed 6 mm system, and soy beans, green beans, field beans, chickpeas, maize, and more using its +Seed 14 mm system, more than 100 different crops in total. The FD60 uses the 14 mm system only (seeds from 0.8 to 14 mm), so it covers a narrower, still-growing list built around onion, beet, maize, green beans, endives, chicory, spinach, and more. If your crop hasn’t been tested yet and you’re unsure whether FarmDroid fits your needs, please contact us. We’ll gladly investigate and conduct tests in our dedicated test lab.

• CAN ONE FARMDROID HANDLE MULTIPLE CROPS AT THE SAME TIME?

  Yes. A single FarmDroid can be set up to work several fields, each with a different crop, since seeding and weeding decisions follow the GPS coordinates recorded per field. Additionally, a single field can be divided into smaller plots with varying crops, and the robot can efficiently manage each plot based on its specific needs.

• IN WHICH FIELD CONDITIONS AND SOIL TYPES CAN FARMDROID BE USED?

  With extensive experience operating FarmDroids across diverse regions in the world, we confidently say that our robot can navigate various types of field terrain throughout all seasons. As long as the soil is not rocky, muddy, or flooded, the robot will maintain its usual precision and efficiency. Tha said, proper field preparation is essential for seeding and weeding precision with FarmDroid.

• WHAT IS THE DAILY CAPACITY OF FARMDROID?

  Daily capacity depends on the model. The FD20 can seed, weed, and micro-spray up to 6 hectares a day, running on solar power under optimal conditions; adding a Power Bank extends its operating window to up to 24 hours even on days without sufficient light. The FD60 covers up to 18 hectares a day, running on solar power and an integrated petrol Range Extender generator as backup power. Multiple robots of the same fleet can work simultaneously across one or several fields.

• HOW MANY HECTARES CAN FARMDROID TAKE CARE OF?

  For the FD20, we generally recommend around 20 hectares per crop per season, though some customers run it successfully on fields up to 40 hectares depending on crop and layout. The FD60 is built for larger operations, with a seasonal capacity of 60 hectares per robot. As with the FD20, the right recommendation depends on your crops and field layout, your local distributor can help plan for your farm. For specific inquiries or to discuss your unique requirements, please reach out to us directly or contact our local distributors. We’re here to assist with your individual needs.

• WHO IS FARMDROID DESIGNED FOR?

  FarmDroid is designed for farmers looking to reduce costs, increase yields, and grow on nature’s terms, whether that’s a 20-hectare organic vegetable grower using the FD20 or a larger operation running the FD60 across 60+ hectares. Both robots are light on the soil compared to conventional machinery, and deliver ultra-high-precision seeding and weeding; the FD20 also offers micro-spraying with +Spray. Customers report lower chemical use, reduced labour and diesel costs, and yield gains of up to 40%.

• Is FarmDroid only for organic farmers?

  No. FarmDroid suits both organic and conventional farmers. Organic farmers use it to cut manual hand-weeding labour. Conventional farmers increasingly turn to mechanical weeding as approved herbicides get harder to find and herbicide resistance builds up in their fields. On top of that, the FD20’s +Spray system cuts chemical use by up to 94% for those who still want targeted spraying of plant protection substances only where needed.

• CAN FARMDROID WORK IF THERE IS NO SUN?

  Yes, on both models, though they handle it differently. The FD20 stores solar energy in its batteries (roughly 13 kWh a day under good conditions), giving it 18-24 hours of runtime depending on weather; a Power Bank adds up to 12 more hours in extended poor weather. The FD60 adds a built-in petrol Range Extender generator (3 kW, 12-litre tank) alongside its solar and battery system, so it can keep working through stretches of low sun without waiting on a recharge.

• Do you have to supervise the robot while it works?

  No, supervision is not required. However, it is recommended when the robot begins seeding and weeding operations. Once you see everything is running as planned, you can let the robot work independently without supervision.

• How do you transport the robot?

  There are different ways of transporting the robot:

  • With a 3-point hitch that is compatible with all tractors to move it on private roads and between fields
  • The dedicated transport platform for public roads
  • By putting the FarmDroid in manual mode and steering it manually for short distances

• How many rows can the robot be configured with?

  FarmDroid FD20 can be configured with up to 12 rows with a row spacing starting from 22.5 cm. FarmDroid FD60 can be configured with up to 20 rows with a row spacing starting from 25 cm. Using our FarmDroid robot configurator, you can build your own robot exactly for your own field.

• Where can I see a farmdroid in action?

  Throughout the year we have regular demo days, where we show the FarmDroid in action. You can see an overview of all our upcoming events here. If you cannot find any event near you, please contact us or your nearest distributor. We have more than 500 FarmDroids running in most of Europe as well as in Canada and Australia, so most likely we can arrange a demonstration nearby you.