Killing Weeds with Lasers

May-29-12 Weed killing has gone high-tech and less toxic with smart lasers able to recognize, and destroy, unwanted weeds.

The method, developed by scientists at Leibniz University in Germany, uses cameras and a computer algorithm to distinguish the weeds from more desirable plants. Once the weeds are recognized the CO2 lasers deliver a carefully measured beam directly to the weakest point of the weed. The energy levels of the beams must be exact, because a beam that is too weak could actually encourage the weed to grow.

Currently the lasers can treat an area about one square meter in size, but the team envisions a future with flying robot drones able to patrol the fields and blast weeds from the air.

More Info about this Invention:

[DISCOVERY.COM]
[LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITY]

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