K
Kathleen Martin
Guest
A new crop management drone can tackle labour shortages in farming, its manufacturers claim.
ZenaDrone — planned for launch in Ireland early next year — uses advanced camera and computer vision to monitor and treat crop plantations.
Described as an “octocopter drone” by Canadian firm ZenaTech, it has eight propellers.
The two-metre-wide device has a maximum flight time of one hour. A full charge takes an hour.
The drone can monitor plant health and potential problems using a multi-spectral sensor; it is hoped that this will enable farmers to reduce the use of pesticides.
The drone is also capable of spraying and removing diseased crops from the field.
At top speed, it can manage 100ac per hour, with potential to cover 1,000ac in a day, weather permitting.
The technology is patent pending in the US.
Farmers interested in the technology to their farm will have to buy €35,000-worth of hardware and software, which includes the drone, charging pad, base station, initial set-up and training — in line with guidelines set out by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Ongoing support from ZenaDrone will cost an additional €6,000 per year.
Founded in 2018, ZenaTech’s initial products were aimed at marijuana and hemp-related businesses.
Founder Dr Shaun Passley aims to create up to 30 new jobs in Ireland next year.
Continue reading: https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/machinery/the-35000-drone-that-can-monitor-spray-and-weed-1000ac-a-day-41101358.html
ZenaDrone — planned for launch in Ireland early next year — uses advanced camera and computer vision to monitor and treat crop plantations.
Described as an “octocopter drone” by Canadian firm ZenaTech, it has eight propellers.
The two-metre-wide device has a maximum flight time of one hour. A full charge takes an hour.
The drone can monitor plant health and potential problems using a multi-spectral sensor; it is hoped that this will enable farmers to reduce the use of pesticides.
The drone is also capable of spraying and removing diseased crops from the field.
At top speed, it can manage 100ac per hour, with potential to cover 1,000ac in a day, weather permitting.
The technology is patent pending in the US.
Farmers interested in the technology to their farm will have to buy €35,000-worth of hardware and software, which includes the drone, charging pad, base station, initial set-up and training — in line with guidelines set out by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Ongoing support from ZenaDrone will cost an additional €6,000 per year.
Founded in 2018, ZenaTech’s initial products were aimed at marijuana and hemp-related businesses.
Founder Dr Shaun Passley aims to create up to 30 new jobs in Ireland next year.
Continue reading: https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/machinery/the-35000-drone-that-can-monitor-spray-and-weed-1000ac-a-day-41101358.html
