A Greek-developed laser weeder, Weeder Core, demonstrated remarkable efficiency in France, reducing weeds by 90% using AI and lasers, cutting labor costs and herbicide use.
Terra Robotics develops innovative laser weeder
A Greek company named Terra Robotics developed the Weeder Core, a laser weeder designed to reduce reliance on manual weeding and herbicides. This device targets weeds individually using advanced technology.
How the Weeder Core operates
The Weeder Core uses cameras, artificial intelligence, and lasers to identify and destroy weeds. It is attached to the rear of a low-power tractor and requires only 40 horsepower to operate. The machine weighs 900 kg and has a working width of 2 meters.
Image analysis and weed destruction
As the Weeder Core moves through the fields, it continuously captures images of the crop rows using onboard cameras. An AI algorithm analyzes these images in real time to distinguish between crops and weeds. The machine then destroys each identified weed with precise laser shots.
Improving efficiency through learning
According to Ioannis Bakatsis, co-founder of Terra Robotics, the system begins with about 70% efficiency even before collecting its first images. It takes around seven days of learning to adapt to a new crop type, improving its performance over time.
Performance in French farms
During the 2026 season, several models of the Weeder Core were tested on French farms growing onions, parsley, basil, and coriander. The machine achieved over 90% weed reduction in a single pass on organic mâche crops and reduced weeds by 80% on conventional onion fields.
Cost-effectiveness and labor savings
The first Weeder Core unit was deployed 18 months ago on the Vezyroglou Farm in Greece. It achieved up to 92% weed destruction while reducing labor costs related to manual weeding by 80%. The equipment has already been fully amortized in that time.
