COEUR d’ALENE – A robotic device currently being developed at the University of Idaho could help shape the future of reforestation efforts nationwide.

The 3-foot-wide robot, developed by University of Illinois computer science students in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, uses AI technology to search for, identify and locate weeds in a nursery. The robot then uses electricity to remove weeds that can hinder seedling growth.

The device’s weed control capabilities were recently demonstrated at the Coeur d’Alene nursery to representatives from all six Forest Service nurseries across the country.

“It’s about sustainability. The robotic device the University of Illinois is developing underscores the Forest Service’s commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity,” said Kas Dumroese, a retired U.S. Forest Service senior scientist who led the project’s initial development. “Autonomous weed control will reduce our labor costs and our dependence on chemical pesticides and fossil fuels, enhance locally adapted crops, and strengthen reforestation efforts.”

Currently, the United States spends about $500,000 annually to remove weeds at national nurseries. These nurseries “provide locally adapted plants and seed for reforestation projects, provide a reliable source of desirable species and stand types for restoring native ecosystems, and secure USDA’s position as a conservation leader,” according to the Department of Forest Management’s website.

Although reforestation efforts on the National Forest and other federal lands are funded by Congress, the work at these nurseries is not, underscoring the importance of the money that could be saved if the weed-control robots were used permanently. “This will reduce costs, which would be a huge relief for us,” said nursery director Aram Eramian. “It would certainly help with other maintenance projects and purchasing more supplies.”

Although the initial demonstration was promising, there is still much work to be done before the University of Illinois weed-fighting robot is rolled out nationwide. Planned improvements include weatherizing the hardware, improving electrical components and improving weed-detection technology.

University of Idaho students recently demonstrated a state-of-the-art robotic weed-killing device at the Coeur d’Alene Nursery. The project is being conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance national reforestation efforts. Photo by University of Idaho