Equipment- Smart Sprayers
on the type of sprayer and the technology used, multiple application modes can be useful for different crops.
SenseApply has several crops approved for use, but more are in development. When using the technology, operators can also record key variables such as weather, chemical mix and the area applied during setup.
Operator Control
The rise of AI may induce hesitation in some operators, but many smart technologies allow users full control over the application process, resulting in a relatively firsthand system while promoting operational efficiency and ease of use.
By including a maximum, minimum and safe rate that are customizable to the job at hand, operators are still able to control how much product is being used. This is crucial when the system may not be able to function at its best, such as at slower speeds or when the angle of the sun affects the cameras or sensors.
“ The operator still has some skin in the game in setting those boundaries up at the start of the job,” Caldwell noted.
“ And it ' s extremely hands-off. All they are doing is applying and spraying the same way that they ' ve done for years and years with this technology, with the one extra interface of tracking the job that it ' s doing.”
Some sprayers, such as the technology from CNH, allows users to change the rate of spray directly from the cab if they find themselves disagreeing with the system. For users switching to intelligent technology, Caldwell notes that switching to SenseApply from Case IH is simply just an extra window in the job setup process. When switching brands, it may only feel like switching smartphones. Most technologies may follow similar outlines and systems, making it easier for the user to transition.
The Future of Smart Sprayers
There are constant updates to the smart sprayer market and the offerings available to farmers and operators. More crops are being added to CNH’ s machine learning models for use, and as CNH prepares to make the technology available for market in the fall of this year, further improvements are expected from incoming feedback.
As brown-on-green spray technology sees more success, green-on-green is also revealing itself in the market as a valuable tool. This AI technology, such as that used in Greeneye Technology and AmaSpot by Amazone, can identify different plant species based on color, shape and other characteristics using their sensors and spray the product accordingly.
Proving to be an Asset
Until then, some farmers and operators have already seen success by switching to smart sprayer technologies.
SenseApply uses machine learning and computer vision to spray precise amounts of product from the boom.
August 2025 | www. FarmersHotLine. com | 9