At Agritechnica 2025, the LZH will present a promising solution for sustainable agriculture at the joint stand of the Agrotech Valley Forum e. V. (Hall 24, Stand A08): a laser module for precise, chemical-free weed control. From November 9 to 15, 2025, the LZH will showcase a specially developed laser module that combats weeds selectively through thermal treatment, without the use of chemical agents. The exhibit will be presented as the laser tool of the autonomously operating field robot LERO3 from industry partner Nature Robots GmbH.
Precision and Sustainability in Focus
The LZH laser module uses a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and laser technology to eliminate weeds with pinpoint accuracy without damaging the soil or surrounding plants. This method not only enables precise weed removal but also reduces the use of herbicides and thus the burden on the environment. Together with Nature Robots, the module has been integrated into an autonomously operating field robot that can be flexibly deployed in practical applications. The AI-based weed recognition for this module was developed by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). Visitors can experience the interaction of camera, AI, and laser at the stand. The module was developed within the collaborative project LALWeco, funded by the BMFTR.
Scientists at the LZH develop platform-independent laser-based solutions for weed control as well as the required AI in-house. In doing so, the LZH focuses particularly on issues related to laser technology and process development, addressing current practical challenges such as the control of root weeds in grassland (project GROW, funded by EIPAgri) and arable farming (project STRALAMENSU, funded by the BMLEH). For individual crops such as onions (project ERNTE, funded by EIPAgri), the LZH works directly with farmers to implement solutions in operational practice. The principle of selective and precise thermal treatment can also be applied to pests such as flying insects. LZH experts are also available for professional exchange on the use of laser technology in greenhouse vegetable cultivation (project LichtFalle:Praxis, funded by EIPAgri) and in open-field applications for controlling the European corn borer (project LuMoS, funded by the BMLEH).
Community and Innovation: Agrotech Valley at Agritechnica
The LZH team will also demonstrate new opportunities that additive manufacturing can offer agriculture. At the stand, for example, a newly developed seed funnel for evenly distributing seeds will be on display.
The LZH is part of the Agrotech Valley Forum e.V. network, which presents innovative technologies and research projects related to smart farming, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agricultural technologies at Agritechnica.
