A Chinese firm has launched what it claims is the country’s first 24/7 intelligent laser weeding robot, aiming to phase out chemical herbicides and cut agricultural pollution at its source.

Huagong Technology Industry Co., Ltd., based in Wuhan, unveiled its Hg LaserWeeder at a recent event in Hubei Province. The company describes the robot as a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture, powered by advanced data models and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) vision system that recognises and eliminates weeds while leaving crops unharmed.

Xiong Bian, lead AI algorithm engineer at the company’s research institute, said the robot uses a database covering thousands of crop and weed species. Its AI-powered vision system dynamically adjusts the intensity of its laser, selectively targeting unwanted plants.

“This robot is expected to replace chemical herbicides, known as the ‘number one soil killer,’” Xiong said.

Chemical herbicides have been widely used in agriculture for decades to control weed growth and boost crop yields. However, these substances often leave residues in the soil and water, contributing to environmental pollution and harming biodiversity.

Over time, repeated herbicide use can degrade soil quality, contaminate waterways, and pose risks to human health. Increasing concerns about these effects have driven demand for alternative weed management solutions that are less harmful to the environment.

The technology achieves a weed removal rate of more than 95%, with the company highlighting its potential to prevent chemical herbicide residues from polluting soil and water sources. The most advanced version of the robot features up to 32 laser heads, reportedly capable of destroying as many as 320,000 weeds per hour. This makes it four to eight times more efficient than traditional methods involving both manual labour and chemicals.

The robot’s recognition and targeting process is also notably fast, taking less than five milliseconds from capturing an image to eliminating a weed.

Ma Xinqiang, chairman of Huagong Technology, stressed the importance of innovation for high-quality growth in China’s agricultural sector.

“Building a new development paradigm requires strengthening innovation more than ever before,” he said, adding that the company will continue to increase investment in research, talent, and partnerships.

Algorithm validation trials have been completed in test fields across Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces. With global pre-orders now open, Huagong Technology plans to begin mass production of the Hg LaserWeeder in 2026.

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