Mobile weed killer for tree nurseries
Fraunhofer researchers have collaborated with partners to develop a platform to remove weeds fully automatically. The mobile AMU-Bot robot system navigates using optical sensors and removes weeds mechanically without the need for chemicals.

The manipulator also moves in the gaps between the crop rows and removes any weeds here using the rotary harrows. © Federal Office of Agriculture and Food/Fraunhofer
Stuttgart, Germany (01 December 2021) - Fraunhofer researchers have collaborated with partners to develop a platform to remove weeds fully automatically. The mobile AMU-Bot robot system navigates using optical sensors and removes weeds mechanically without the need for chemicals. The researchers have also been working on a comprehensive, data-supported ecosystem for the resource-efficient and environmentally friendly automation of agricultural processes.

The LiDAR scanner (red arrow) installed in AMU-Bot continuously emits laser pulses as the vehicle moves, which the system uses to determine the position of the crop rows. © Federal Office of Agriculture and Food/Fraunhofer

The autonomous caterpillar vehicle, AMU-Bot, drives between the rows in the tree nursery and removes any weeds. © Federal Office of Agriculture and Food/Fraunhofer
Footwear Industry Articles
- Some ideas to stimulate a recovery in local footwear and leather goods manufacturingThere are many factors other than reluctant chain buyers that contribute to the SA leather value chain’s problems ...moreThat bag goes on auctionThe original Hermès Birkin bag – more about capacity than style.The original Hermès Birkin bag, which acted as the blueprint for what would become one of the most desirable celebrity status symbols in the world, will be auctioned by Sotherby’s in Paris on 10 July.According to CNN, in 1984 actress and singer ...moreTechnically, all the brands have good modelsPretoria, Gauteng, SA – Well it's always difficult to say how accurate the count is because it's done in November, 7 months before the actual race day. So it's not done physically on the day, and it can change over that time. For example, people can change brands because they aren’t working anymore for them and also a lot of b ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- ESG PORTFOLIOSOver the past decade, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing awareness of sustainability issues and a desire for ethical investment options. However, recent years have seen a notable decline in ESG investments, raising questions about their future viability. ...more‘Real Leather. Stay different.’ chooses Taipei to host 2025 international finalThe Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) has selected Taipei, Taiwan, as the host city for the 5th annual Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) international student design competition final, scheduled for 27-28 October 2025.Following events in London and Milan, the competition now underscores Asia's rising prominence as a hub for ...moreCountry hides and skins: Changed markets for a forgotten sourceChanges in the global leather market have impacted most on the bottom rung of the leather value chain – ‘country’ hides and skins. This was starkly illustrated when S&V African Leather received a call from someone in the Eastern Cape who had previously made a living collecting them for sale to agents acting on behalf of hide and skin collectors. The agents were still there, he said, but they weren’t interested in buying what he had to offer. Where should he look?rnrn A call to trader Gareth Diesel in East London, who works for and with Elliott Brothers and its subsidiary, East London Abattoir, confirmed that market had died in the province.rnrn He suggested we ask Greg Feinberg, MD of SA’s biggest hide and skin trader, pickler and wet blue tannery, Cape Produce Company, for ‘the bigger picture’. ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Understanding respirator PPEThe subject of Respirator Personal Protective Equipment is confusing until one understands the basic concept requirements.OHS Act defines Respiratory Protective Equipment as a device which is worn over at least the mouth and nose to prevent the inhalation of air borne hazardous chemical substances and which is of a type or conforms to a s ...more7 strategies to create more resilient mine dewateringDewatering is a crucial operation in mining. Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem Africa, advises how to approach mine dewatering with these 7 strategies. As recent events at a Namibian mine demonstrate, dewatering is a critical linchpin for mining operations. ...moreWHO targets 15 countries for elimination of sleeping sickness by 2030A project is underway to eradicate ‘neglected tropical diseases’ (NTDs) in Africa.Among them is sleeping sickness, also known as nagana in domestic and wild animals.Sleeping sickness, known medically as human African trypanosomiasis, is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies, and is endemic in sub-S ...more