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Resource Optimization of Autonomous EV Robot for Thermal Weeding
Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org
Citation: 2026 ASABE Annual International Meeting 2601685.(doi:10.13031/aim.202601685)Authors: Seungyun Baek, Yuan Zhang, Sulaymon Eshkabilov, Yongjoo Kim, James Y. Kim
Keywords: Autonomous EV robot, operation resource, optimization, thermal weeding
Abstract. Weed control is essential for improving agricultural productivity and supporting sustainable agriculture. Chemical herbicide applications for weed management using ride-on machinery are commonly employed, but these approaches can cause environmental concerns or require substantial labor input. Autonomous electric vehicle (EV) robots equipped with hot water-based thermal spray systems offer a viable alternative to address these limitations. However, the EV robot for thermal weeding employs multiple resources, and efficient operation requires systematic analysis and optimization of the energy usage from characteristics of each resource. In this study, the major resources of the EV robot were categorized into batteries (vehicle operation and control), a power station (water heater, water pump, nozzle controller and communication devices), propane gas, and water tank. Limiting factors (LF) of the EV robot were analyzed under practical weed control operating conditions through a mathematical simulation framework. The results indicated that the limiting factor varied with weed density at low travel speed, while the battery pack was consistently the limiting factor at high travel speed. These findings contribute to the development of a reliable and practical solution for precision agriculture, supporting efficient and sustainable agricultural operations.
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