Posted on: April 20, 2018 | Written By: Everybody Gardens |
Weeding your garden is not always fun. So why not let a machine take over the drudgery of that chore?
That’s the idea behind Tertill, a solar-powered weeding robot from Franklin Robotics. The company has a great pedigree in this field, as its chief technology officer is Joe Jones, the co-inventor of the Roomba.
The Tertill would attack weeds on a daily basis, chopping them down with what looks like a mini weed wacker. Its wheels also help trample developing weeds. The robot targets anything shorter than an inch, so protective shields help protect the tiny plants you actually want to keep.
The typical range for the Tertill mirrors the average size of a garden in the United States, about 100 square feet. It also requires a border, like a raised edge or a fence, so it doesn’t wander off.
“The idea is that you just forget about it,” Jones told iNews. “That fits with my vision that robots should be invisible in the same way that the microprocessors in your car or toothbrush are invisible. They’re all doing their job, but you never see them.”
The company is still months away from bringing the product (with a suggested retail price of $249) to market, as parts are being manufactured in China. App development is also underway.
Franklin Robotics has raised more than $312,000 in its Kickstarter campaign, which originally sought $120,000. The Husqvarna Group recently acquired a 25 percent share of Franklin Robotics as it seeks exploration of robotic applications in garden and lawn area.
Here’s a look at the Tertill in action:
See also, How Do You Like The Idea Of A Robot For Your Garden?
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