The first intelligent weeding robot for rice paddies in Suzhou has entered field trials. Designed for physical, chemical-free weed control, this smart machine addresses a key challenge in organic rice cultivation and offers a new solution for green, sustainable farming.

In the paddy field, a half-meter-long black robot moves autonomously through the water. Although it does not resemble a duck, it is named after the traditional practice of raising ducks in rice fields. As it travels steadily through the paddy, its flexible bristle-like paddles continuously stir the water, increasing turbidity to block sunlight and suppress weed photosynthesis. This eliminates the need for herbicides, helps fields meet organic and green food standards, and significantly reduces labor and production costs.

The robot operates fully autonomously. Its onboard navigation system maps field boundaries by detecting contact with ridges, identifies unexplored areas, and ensures complete coverage without omissions. Powered by solar panels and connected to a smartphone app, the robot allows users to monitor its operating status, battery level, and runtime in real time, as well as assign tasks remotely. According to researchers, the robot can operate for up to 10 hours per day, delivers excellent weeding performance, and provides strong support for organic farming.