#20 Clear weeds with robots

We're up to number 20 and it's time for another Bold Idea. Things that we may not be able to do ourselves, but that could make a massive difference. Bold Ideas may be experimental or just starting out—with a lot of potential.

Agriculture is essential for our survival, but it also has a massive impact on our planet and our climate health. Although a transition to small-scale, local organic growing may seem romantic, it is unlikely to feed the world's population.

Maintaining food production while reducing the impact on our environment is essential for our future.

Here, technology can offer a helping hand

We currently use far too many pesticides and herbicides on our crops. They damage our soil, reduce productivity, and have untold impact on the health of our ecosystems. Not to mention making our own food less healthy.

Swedish technologists have been developing robot weeders. These can roam across a field and keep vegetable crops clear of weeds autonomously - dramatically reducing the need for herbicides. These robot weeders use AI to identify and pluck weeds and can keep 25 acres clear per day. Improving soil health and increasing crop productivity.

Not only does it improve our environment, it can reduce our dependence on industrial-scale production of chemical herbicides—that in itself is highly dependent on fossil fuel production. Lower carbon, better soil, healthier vegetables.

While it's early days for these robot weeding devices, it's a great example of how we can use our technology smarts for good —to reduce our impact and better protect the planet that keeps us alive.

It's a long journey

The more we act, the more we share, the more we have a movement towards a healthier, safer, more prosperous future for us all.

— 200 ways