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LightWeeding enables farming innovation

The LightWeeder is an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Earth Rover, a UK based agri-robotics company and Agri-EPI Centre member, has developed the LightWeeder to solve key challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems


The LightWeeder is said to be the world’s first eye-safe, herbicide-free, carbon-neutral, commercially viable weeding system. The LightWeeding technology uses semiconductor LEDs to solve key technical, safety and commercialisation challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems.

The LightWeeder is part of CLAWS (Concentrated Light Autonomous Weeding and Scouting), an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method, and can also scout fields to obtain a complete data map of all crops after planting, showing the crops exact location, size, and any early signs of disease.

The main features of CLAWS are:

  • Weeding – chemical-free and inherently safer than laser weeding. No till and no crop damage and can be used in any conditions without compacting the soil.
  • Scouting – In-depth analysis of crops to allow better harvest predictions and increased yields.

The complete system is ultra-lightweight at 300kg, meaning it requires low amounts of energy to run, and is also claimed to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than many of its competitors. The system currently runs on batteries and in future, solar panels therefore uses no fossil fuels and help farmers meet their net-zero targets.

With increasing types of chemical-resistant weeds, a significant downturn in availability of hand labour plus a shift in society towards more organic options, now more than ever there is a need to change the way we farm. A recent report by Rothamsted Research shows weeds pose an unprecedented threat to our food security and highlights the need to diversify weed control as an urgent priority.

As explained by John Taylor, farm director at Pollybell Organic Farm, “The key element here is that the LightWeeder not only makes chemical-free farming more effective but it also solves the huge issue farmers are facing today in terms of the huge loss in the labour force. Being able to weed fields autonomously means that food production doesn’t just grind to a halt.”

According to Earth Rover, LighWeeder is energy-efficient and no-till and does not cause damage to drip irrigation or crops. It is also not dependent on soil conditions and does not enable weeds to develop resistance. 

 

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The company is pushing its innovative platform out of the lab and into real-world agricultural systems.

Agriculture

In the heart of Singapore’s biotech scene, Terra Oleo is quietly leading a revolution that could transform two of agriculture’s most complex and carbon-heavy supply chains-palm oil and cocoa

With a fresh US$3.1mn in funding and support from Breakthrough Energy’s prestigious Fellows Program, the company is pushing its innovative platform out of the lab and into real-world agricultural systems.

This isn't just a tech breakthrough-it’s a response to a mounting crisis. The global palm oil and cocoa industries are feeling the squeeze of climate disruption, shrinking arable land, and tighter environmental regulation. In 2024, cocoa stockpiles fell by 26%, sending prices soaring, while palm oil exports dropped by nearly 6% as producers struggled with rising costs and inconsistent yields. For agri-businesses, food producers, and cosmetics manufacturers alike, volatility is becoming the norm and sustainable alternatives are no longer a niche pursuit but an industry necessity.

Terra Oleo’s answer is a tunable fermentation platform that uses microbes to convert agro-industrial waste into high-value lipid ingredients. These aren't just stand-ins for palm oil or cocoa butter; they’re engineered replacements designed to match or outperform conventional fats in terms of performance, stability, and application. From food and pharmaceuticals to personal care and cosmetics, the potential uses are wide-ranging.

The real genius lies in the platform’s customisation. Unlike natural microbial processes that are often limited in scale and flexibility, Terra Oleo’s system allows for precise control over the lipid profile of its outputs. That means the company can tailor its ingredients to suit specific industry needs, whether that’s for baking chocolate or industrial emulsifiers. And because the process bypasses land-intensive crops, toxic refining steps, and heavy energy use, it drastically reduces both the carbon footprint and chemical waste involved.

Backed by deep scientific expertise in synthetic biology and microbial engineering, the company is poised to move quickly from pilot phase to commercial scale. It has already signed product testing agreements with several major players in the food, oleochemical, and personal care sectors. More than a proof of concept, this funding round marks a shift towards real, scalable change.

With its roots partly in the palm oil industry, Terra Oleo has a unique advantage it knows the traditional system inside out and is building a better one alongside it. At scale, its platform could prevent up to 900 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, signalling a major leap towards decarbonising agriculture’s supply chains without compromising quality or performance.

As the pressure mounts to future-proof ingredient sourcing and reduce environmental impact, Terra Oleo’s approach offers more than just an alternative—it offers a reset. For agriculture, that reset can’t come soon enough.

The event brought together over 300 industry experts. (Image credit: Sigenergy)

Aquaculture

Sigenergy, a key player in renewable energy innovation, recently showcased its modular commercial and industrial (C&I) solar-storage system at Sigenergy Day APAC in Hainan

The event brought together over 300 industry experts, partners, clients, and media professionals to explore the evolving landscape of solar-storage technology. A particular highlight of the event was a tour of a new aquaculture project powered entirely by solar and storage technology—demonstrating a bold step forward in sustainable energy applications beyond traditional sectors.

The seawater fish farming project, located in Hainan, uses Sigenergy’s advanced C&I inverters and the SigenStack energy storage system to power its operations. With a setup integrating 6 MW of solar power and 5 MWh of storage capacity, the project shows how clean energy can be effectively used in the demanding environment of aquaculture. It is a significant case study for how renewable energy can reduce operational costs and support environmental goals in industries that depend on consistent and intensive energy use.

This fish farm, focused on cultivating the high-value Leopard Coral Grouper, requires stringent control over its operating environment. Maintaining stable water temperature, constant oxygen supply, and controlled lighting is essential to the survival of the fish. These needs drive high energy consumption, with the farm using around 43,200 kWh daily and more than 15 million kWh annually. Sigenergy’s system drastically cuts the farm’s reliance on the grid and offers a cost-effective, environmentally conscious energy solution.

The site posed several logistical and environmental challenges that traditional energy systems could not solve. However, Sigenergy’s modular design provided key advantages. Space was a major limitation, with narrow corridors between ponds making bulky container systems impractical. The compact, plug-and-play nature of Sigenergy’s solution allowed it to be easily installed without wasting valuable space.

Transport and installation were also simplified. As the site is located near water networks, heavy machinery access was impossible. Sigenergy’s lightweight units, which don’t require cranes, enabled the system to be fully set up in just four days. The sandy soil also posed structural concerns, but the modular design allowed even weight distribution, reducing foundation stress and ensuring safety.

Being just 300 metres from the sea, the site is exposed to salt-heavy air and humidity. Sigenergy’s equipment is built to last under such harsh conditions, with IP66 and C5-M protection ratings that provide high-level resistance to corrosion and ensure long-term performance.

This deployment not only delivers reliable and clean energy for the aquaculture industry but also stands as a scalable model for energy transformation in other complex, high-demand environments.

Grand L70 Series is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s residential and commercial farm operators. (Image credit: Kubota)

Equipment

Kubota has raised the bar in compact tractor innovation with the launch of its next-generation Grand L70 Series, designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s residential and commercial farm operators

With three model options - deluxe, premium, and cold-weather - the L70 series offers serious versatility, combining advanced intelligent hydrostatic transmission (iHST) with operator-first comfort and smart functionality.

At the heart of the Grand L70 is Kubota’s all-new iHST, engineered to tailor performance with adjustable pedal sensitivity, auto-throttle advance, and six speed ranges. Whether you're feeding livestock, shifting bales, or clearing snow, drive modes like road, loader, cutter, and snow make gear-shifting seamless. The hydro dual-speed allows real-time high/low switching within each range delivering unmatched control and efficiency.

The tech doesn’t stop there. Operators now have a K-Command Display - a vivid colour screen with Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling. You can monitor performance, tweak drive modes, and keep productivity on point. Meanwhile, digital stall guard protects your PTO and engine under heavy load, automatically adjusting to keep operations running smoothly.

Comfort on the job has been reimagined with the introduction of Kubota’s ProCab - a factory-installed cab option on the deluxe and premium models. With heated glass, rear wiper, remote start, defrosters, and a heated swivel seat, the ProCab offers a controlled environment in any season. Its curved glass and four-post design maximise visibility ideal when working in tight yards or long fields.

Under the bonnet, the Grand L70 houses a Kubota diesel engine with outputs from 37 to 60 hp, featuring Common-Rail System (CRS) for cleaner combustion and consistent torque. The deluxe model comes with a naturally aspirated engine, while the premium boasts turbocharged power.

Pair it with Kubota’s performance-matched loaders (LA806, LA1056, LM1056) or the BH92A backhoe, and the Grand L70 becomes a true workhorse lifting over 3,000 lbs, digging over 9 feet, and simplifying daily farm tasks with quick attach/detach systems.

For farmers seeking precision, comfort, and year-round productivity, the Grand L70 is more than a tractor, it’s your next essential farmhand.

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

Infrastructure

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of communication and digital affairs, has stressed the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted that strong digital infrastructure is the foundation for achieving sustainable agriculture across the country.

“To really take advantage of AI power and data, a strong digital infrastructure is very important. This includes evenly distributed broadband access and an inclusive digital platform for farmers and agri-food business actors,” Nezar said during an official broadcast.

He emphasised that digital transformation in agriculture is not about following global trends, but a strategic move to address national food security challenges. Technologies such as smart sensors, drones, automation, and predictive analytics can significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply chain from production to distribution.

“AI and data can revolutionize our entire agri-food ecosystem,” he added.

To support this transformation, the ministry of communication and digital affairs (Komdigi) is speeding up the expansion of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The ministry is also promoting digital literacy and working closely with universities like Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to advance research, training, and the development of technology-based solutions for agriculture.

Nezar called on academics, farmers, and all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening national food sovereignty. “AI and data are bridges to Indonesia’s more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future,” he concluded.