Blast Them: Rutgers Scientist Uses Lasers To Kill Weeds

Imagine a tractor-size machine that can tell the difference between a vegetable and a weed – and then zaps the unwelcome plant with a laser.

Zap…

I wonder if AI and mirrors could do a similar thing.

When can we get a bindi-killing laser from Bunnings?

Divine Angel said:

When can we get a bindi-killing laser from Bunnings?

I’ve always found a knife very useful. Never allow them to make bindii’s.

Divine Angel said:

When can we get a bindi-killing laser from Bunnings?

A few years maybe.

The technology could zap bugs too.

Seeing as it eliminates herbicides maybe the technology could be fast tracked around the world seeing as it would address a global problem.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Seeing as it eliminates herbicides maybe the technology could be fast tracked around the world seeing as it would address a global problem.

Emma Chisit?

roughbarked said:

Divine Angel said:

When can we get a bindi-killing laser from Bunnings?

I’ve always found a knife very useful. Never allow them to make bindii’s.

The point to be noted in this is that the weeds need to be recognised at the earliest possible stage. Preferably at or just after the appearance of first leaves. Killing small plants is a lot easier than attempting to kill big plants. A squirt of boiling water directed only at the weed would do exactly the same thing without all the smoke and mirrors.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Blast Them: Rutgers Scientist Uses Lasers To Kill Weeds

Imagine a tractor-size machine that can tell the difference between a vegetable and a weed – and then zaps the unwelcome plant with a laser.

Zap…

For a couple of weeks at work, we were researching a crop spraying and weed killing drone. I came up with some preliminary designs that could carry a swappable 20 – 30 litre container of herbicide and also have the batteries hot-swappable.
The weed killer would be similar but smaller and we also looked at using a laser to do the job.

Spiny Norman said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Blast Them: Rutgers Scientist Uses Lasers To Kill Weeds

Imagine a tractor-size machine that can tell the difference between a vegetable and a weed – and then zaps the unwelcome plant with a laser.

Zap…

For a couple of weeks at work, we were researching a crop spraying and weed killing drone. I came up with some preliminary designs that could carry a swappable 20 – 30 litre container of herbicide and also have the batteries hot-swappable.
The weed killer would be similar but smaller and we also looked at using a laser to do the job.

Makes sense with all the environmental issues that herbicides creates, RB suggested boiling water squirted at weeds. AI and super heated water would work too.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Spiny Norman said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Blast Them: Rutgers Scientist Uses Lasers To Kill Weeds

Imagine a tractor-size machine that can tell the difference between a vegetable and a weed – and then zaps the unwelcome plant with a laser.

Zap…

For a couple of weeks at work, we were researching a crop spraying and weed killing drone. I came up with some preliminary designs that could carry a swappable 20 – 30 litre container of herbicide and also have the batteries hot-swappable.
The weed killer would be similar but smaller and we also looked at using a laser to do the job.

Makes sense with all the environmental issues that herbicides creates, RB suggested boiling water squirted at weeds. AI and super heated water would work too.

Lawn mower sized ones for the domestic market.

Then hand held one’s later when its all miniaturised.

Don’t they also use directed steam

Cymek said:

Don’t they also use directed steam

Yes.

roughbarked said:

Cymek said:

Don’t they also use directed steam

Yes.

or Flammenwerfers

ChrispenEvan said:

roughbarked said:

Cymek said:

Don’t they also use directed steam

Yes.

or Flammenwerfers

Gosh thats a good word. Flammenwerfers. Glorious!

ChrispenEvan said:

roughbarked said:

Cymek said:

Don’t they also use directed steam

Yes.

or Flammenwerfers

They are slightly more destructive.

Potentially a billion dollar market.

I want one.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Potentially a billion dollar market.

I want one.

How big is your garden?

Most gardens in Australian cities can be kept clear o f weeds with a knife and a kneeling pad. Alternatively weeds in cracks in concrete etc. Boil the kettle and take it around pouriing it on them.

In breaking news GBU-57 kills weeds¡