Prototype of a Hoeing Robot for Non-Chemical Weed Control in Vegetable Production

The study evaluated the effectiveness of a prototype hoeing robot (HR) for non-chemical weed control in vegetable production. A controlled greenhouse experiment was conducted at BC Naklo (Slovenia) on four plots (30 × 30 cm) sown with garden cress (Lepidium sativum) and radish (Raphanus sativus). Three plots were treated with robotic hoeing, while one served as a control. Results demonstrated a progressive reduction in weed density: effectiveness ranged from 53–88% after the first hoeing, increased to 90–97% after the second hoeing, and reached 100% elimination after the third hoeing across all plots. These findings confirm the strong potential of robotic hoeing as a sustainable alternative to manual labor and herbicide use, particularly in organic farming systems. From an economic perspective, HR reduces reliance on seasonal labor and lowers long-term production costs, thereby improving farm profitability.