WeedPause
Selective weed control using smart detection
Overview
Weeds cost African farmers billions in lost yield every year, and broad-spectrum herbicide application damages soil health and the environment. WeedPause uses computer vision and machine learning to identify and target weeds with surgical precision — eliminating them while leaving crops untouched.
Technology
WeedPause combines state-of-the-art AI with practical, field-ready hardware to deliver weed detection and elimination at a level of accuracy that manual labour or blanket spraying can't match.
- Convolutional neural networks trained on 50,000+ images of local weed species
- Real-time image processing at 30fps for in-field operation
- Precision micro-spraying nozzles that target individual weeds
- Integration with FarmRover for fully autonomous weed control
- Continuously improving model via federated learning from field deployments
Environmental Benefit
By targeting only the weeds that matter, WeedPause dramatically reduces the volume of chemicals needed — protecting soil health, water sources, and biodiversity.
- Up to 90% reduction in herbicide use compared to blanket spraying
- Preserves beneficial soil organisms and pollinators
- Reduces chemical runoff into waterways
- Supports transition to more sustainable farming practices
Potential Impact
WeedPause addresses one of the most time-consuming and expensive aspects of farming. For smallholders who currently hand-weed their fields, it could save hundreds of hours per growing season.
- 70% reduction in time spent on weed management
- 10-25% improvement in crop yields through better weed control
- Safer working conditions — reduced exposure to herbicides