Manual pruning of cotton plants-removing the top bud to direct energy toward lateral branches-has long been labor-intensive and risk-prone. This new robot offers a non-contact, ultra-precise alternative, significantly improving speed and consistency.

While laser technology is widely used in weed control, this application for crop enhancement is a novel move. The robot, now in field trials, reflects China's growing investment in precision agriculture tools that boost productivity and reduce labor costs.

Performance by the Numbers

The autonomous robot can process up to 0.53 hectares per hour, making it 10 times faster than manual labor. Its detection accuracy is 98%, and plant damage is kept under 3%, making it one of the most efficient and gentle systems available.

The robot uses Lidar for object detection, combined with computer vision to identify the cotton plant's terminal bud. Once located, the bud is vaporized with a high-powered blue laser, without making physical contact with the plant.

Implications for Cotton Farming

By enhancing boll formation and nutrient distribution, the laser robot could drive higher yields and reduce labor dependency-two critical concerns in large-scale cotton operations. The system's high speed and low damage rate also suggest its potential scalability across diverse farming contexts.

If trials continue to show strong results, the technology could shift global best practices in cotton pruning and accelerate the adoption of laser robotics in row crop management.