Key Takeaways
- Kilter and Kubota launch a partnership to pilot and promote the AX-1 precision weeding robot across Europe.
- Initial rollout begins in Germany and the Netherlands through selected dealer networks.
- AX-1 enables up to 95% herbicide reduction using AI-driven weed recognition and targeted micro-dosing.
- The collaboration follows a successful 2025 pilot season involving multiple farms and crops.
- Kubota highlights rising demand for efficient, environmentally friendly robotic solutions in vegetable production.
Kilter Expands AX-1 Deployment Through New Kubota Partnership
Kilter has entered a strategic partnership with Kubota to pilot and promote its AX-1 precision weeding robot across Europe, following growing interest in advanced weeding technologies among vegetable producers. The collaboration will begin in Germany and the Netherlands, where selected Kubota dealers will sell, support, and help operate AX-1 units.
The partnership targets growers of spinach, salads, lettuces, herbs, celeriac, strawberries, and other bed-grown crops. The goal is to improve weed control, enhance yields and product quality, and reduce chemical use to minimal levels.
During the 2025 pilot season, multiple AX-1 units operated several times per week depending on crop conditions. Farmers and dealers evaluated yield development, crop quality, and overall performance. Feedback reported strong effectiveness compared with current weed management practices.
Kilter’s AX-1 Robot Brings AI-Driven Precision Weeding to Vegetable Fields
The AX-1 is an autonomous robot designed specifically for bed-grown vegetables. Using AI-powered weed recognition and approximately 6 mm placement accuracy, it applies micro-doses of herbicide directly onto individual weeds rather than broadcast-spraying entire rows.
Kilter’s patented Single Drop Technology enables growers to cut herbicide use by up to 95%. This application strategy shifts selectivity away from chemical dependence and toward targeted precision, helping address:
- A shrinking list of approved herbicides
- Increasing herbicide resistance
- High approval costs for niche crops
- Labor shortages for manual weeding
By protecting young plants and maintaining uniform early crop development, AX-1 provides a practical solution for growers balancing productivity with sustainability.
Kilter and Kubota Align on Sustainable, Practical Robotics for Growers
Kubota emphasized that demand for environmentally friendly technologies continues to rise, especially systems that help crops establish faster, reach high-quality standards, and support earlier harvest windows. Through the partnership, Kubota aims to connect its dealer network and customers with advanced robotic solutions already validated in the field.
The agreement builds on a longer collaboration between the companies and signals increasing commercial readiness for the AX-1 across European vegetable markets.
As the roll-out progresses, Kilter expects the partnership to support broader adoption of precision weeding robotics, helping growers reduce inputs, improve efficiency, and respond to regulatory and labor challenges.
