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Robot weed killers could create a sustainable future for agriculture | The Optimist Daily (www.optimistdaily.com)

submitted 4 months ago by Blair to c/technology

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Herbicides have a long history of negative consequences. Glyphosate and paraquat, among other pollutants, are extremely harmful to human health and the environment. These pollutants impair soil quality and destroy beneficial organisms such as pollinators. Furthermore, the widespread use of herbicides has resulted in weed resistance, making chemical management less effective.

Kenny Lee, co-founder and CEO of Aigen Robotics, is personally committed to reducing pesticide use. Lee, a glyphosate-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, has collected $19 million for his startup to produce solar-powered weeding robots. “We’re on a personal mission,” Lee says, emphasizing their dedication to sustainable agriculture.

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[–] CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.work 4 points 4 months ago (9 children)

Doesn't hydroponic farming already solve the weed problem without herbicides?

[–] Blair 3 points 4 months ago

I could be wrong, but I don’t think you can grow all plants in hydroponics. For example, anything that grows on trees(large root systems) as well as grain crops (where you need a lot of plants together, rather in individual pods like in most hydroponics).

The only alternative I can think of is a greenhouse system. Like what indoor botanical gardens use for trees, but instead designed for farming. That would be expensive(more than farmers could afford), but it would also weather-protect crops.

But you are right about hydroponics or aquaponics for a lot of produce, though!

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