Agricultural technology specialist, Agtecnic, is reducing the volume of chemical sprays required by growers by applying smart camera technology to identify weeds and apply the spray only to those areas where it is needed.
Agtecnic’s SenseSpray® technology uses specialised cameras to detect weeds and apply spray precisely where needed – cutting chemical use by up to 90%.
The company’s SenseSpray® technology can be installed on new or retrofitted sprayers, typically mounted on a 36-metre-wide boom with cameras spaced every metre.
To keep these cameras reliably connected in harsh outdoor conditions, Agtecnic opted for complete cable assemblies from LAPP Australia’s Harnessing Solutions division.
“SenseSpray is a high-value product, so we needed cables that were high quality, with outstanding durability and reliability in service, which is why we went with LAPP,” said Agtecnic co-founder, Rob Johnson, who, with fellow co-founder Peter Roberts, has used LAPP cables for years.
Rob and Peter recognise their product has a high up-front cost, but are confident growers can achieve a fast return on their investment based on the reduction in chemicals they will need to purchase, now that they can specifically target just the problematic weeds.
“We knew the quality of LAPP cables from when we used to buy them individually. LAPP allowed us to buy any type of cable by the metre, with no minimum order quantity, and the majority were stocked here in Australia,” he said.
“Once they introduced a harnessing solutions division, we were able to leverage off the quality of these cables and create a turnkey service to free up our time even further.”
“Additionally, LAPP is one of the few companies based in Australia that could provide an overmolding service, which saved us from sourcing this overseas.”
Built to Last in Harsh Australian Environments
Rob and Peter had worked with growers for decades and knew that reliability was key to the success of any product in this field.
“The cables that connect these cameras are subject to harsh UV light, water, and generally some of the harshest conditions the Australian climate can produce. We knew LAPP’s cables were up to the task, and they have been performing perfectly in service,” said Rob.
In addition to connecting the cameras, LAPP cables also connect solenoids to control the valves on and off for spraying, as well as to a CANBUS system that can integrate with the rest of the machine.
Expanding Success
SenseSpray® has been available for around three years now, and has expanded to include Australia-wide availability, new distribution partnerships, as well as exporting into overseas markets.
“We are always looking at ways to automate agricultural tasks, and we’ve been impressed by the interest in this technology. Now, with LAPP’s Australian-based Harnessing Solutions division, we can get ready-to-go cable assemblies that we know are proven quality, and this saves us even more time,” says Rob.
“LAPP has been proactive, responsive, and highly communicative throughout our relationship,” he says. “We are actively looking at ways we can further collaborate, including utilising their engineering expertise in the product development stage with new innovations.”