Looking ahead to automated integrated weed management: Challenges and opportunities

During the past decade, it has become possible to conduct on-farm, real-time assessments of crops and pests, such as weeds. Robot technology promises to reduce the amount of labor needed to effectuate weed assessment and weed control. As a consequence, true integrated weed management (IWM), which takes into account all relevant spatial and temporal scales, is within reach. However, even with advanced technology, several challenges remain. In terms of technology, occlusion of weeds by the crop and harsh environments present a challenge. In terms of socio-economics, growers are concerned that technology is replacing the human element of managing agriculture cropping systems. Finally, in terms of science, improved cross-disciplinary collaboration is needed between biologists, who know the most about agricultural systems, and engineers, who develop mechanical and automated solutions, in order to make the advances that are necessary to address critical global food needs and protection of the natural resource base. What will it take to overcome these challenges to move IWM to a level that makes it more applicable, widely adopted, and truly integrated? There are a few companies and research programs working on these challenges. Information will be shared on these developments and a more extensive review of the challenges specifically for IWM.