AI Robots Tackle Weeding and Pests in Taiwan's Organic Farms

In an effort to promote organic and eco-friendly farming, the Douliou Township Farmers' Association in Yunlin, Taiwan, is embracing innovative technology to combat labor shortages and an aging agricultural workforce. Following the introduction of paper mulch seedling machines, the association has now tested a specialized AI robot designed for rice paddies.

The 'Aigamo Duck Robot,' tested over a full cultivation cycle by farmer Mr. Chang, has shown promising results. When deployed in paddies about 10 days after transplanting, the robot circulates the water, creating turbidity that inhibits weed growth. This method significantly reduces the need for manual weeding, a major challenge in organic farming where herbicides are prohibited.

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Organic farming cannot use herbicides, so weeding relies on manpower, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and is the biggest challenge and hurdle in promoting organic farming.

Beyond weed suppression, the robot's water agitation also aids in more uniform fertilizer distribution within the soil. Furthermore, the robot's movement disrupts the activity of golden snails, a common pest that damages young rice seedlings. Farmer Chang reported that the robot's patrols, lasting about 1.5 hours per tenth of a hectare and conducted every 2-3 days for three weeks, effectively controlled weeds and reduced snail damage.

Farmers attending a recent demonstration were highly interested in the technology, with many expressing a strong willingness to purchase the robots. Priced at approximately NT$70,000 to NT$80,000 each and powered by solar energy, the cost could be further reduced with government subsidies for agricultural machinery. The adoption of such robots represents a significant step towards making organic cultivation more sustainable and efficient, addressing critical issues facing Taiwan's agricultural sector.

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In addition to suppressing weeds, the agitation of the water also helps fertilizer penetrate the soil more evenly, and the patrols can interfere with the activity of golden snails, reducing their damage to seedlings.