Environmental performance of an autonomous laser weeding robot—a case study

Purpose: Challenges in sustainable development envisioned in the European Union for the agricultural sector require innovation to raise the efficiency of production and safety of farming processes for farmers and ensure food safety for consumers. One of the key productivity factors in plant production is effective weeding. The WeLASER project aimed to develop a high-power autonomous vehicle with lasers to control weeds. To be sustainable, the invention should have a high environmental performance in the whole life cycle perspective, including its production, use in agriculture, and end-of-life phase. In the publication, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the WeLASER weeding robot is presented. The aim was to identify weak and strong aspects of the invention in environmental terms and provide suggestions for its improvement. Methods: The machinery was characterized based on technical data provided by the developers, relevant literature, Ecoinvent 3.8 database, and own calculations. The quantitative assessment of environmental impacts was performed using the Simapro tool. For interpretation Recipe 2016 method (egalitarian perspective) was applied. Results: The results show that the energy issue related to autonomous laser-based weeding machine operations is the most challenging. It is related to impacts on climate change indicators and fossil fuel depletion. Production phase is characterized with impacts on human toxicity and is related to extensive application of electronic and electric components in the robot. Conclusion: In comparison with other weeding techniques, the high-power autonomous vehicle with lasers to control weeds shows potential for environmentally efficient use of the machinery in practice. Achieving high performance in the life cycle perspective requires improvements in the design, operational features, and smart application in agricultural practice enhanced through expertise, guidance, and advice.