Nowadays, the adoption of automated robots is a common practice among many industries that seek to improve their effectiveness – from automated robots that are tightening the knots and bolts on cars to automated hoovers that clean your home. Now, in efforts to stop the use of pesticides, researchers have developed an autonomous robot that uses ultraviolet light to kill diseases on strawberries. The robot, which goes by the name of Thorvald, emits ultraviolet light to kill common fungal diseases like the downy mildew, which attacks a variety of fruits and vegetables. For ultraviolet light to work efficiently, Thorvald is programmed to make its rounds on strawberry fields at night. It automatically drives across the field and exposes all the strawberry to ultraviolet light for a few seconds – which is enough to keep the strawberries safe for consumption. Researchers are hoping that the process will eventually eliminate or limit the use of pesticides in agriculture, making it safer for both the consumers and the environment.
This robot could eventually rid the agricultural sector of pesticides
More of Today's Solutions
Nations agree to fund nature in a breakthrough for biodiversity
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a rare display of unity amid global tensions, nations reached a landmark agreement to fund nature conservation. ...
Read MoreThriving in uncertainty: science-backed ways to build resilience
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world increasingly defined by unpredictability, many of us would rather accept a negative outcome than face ...
Read MoreHow to have a conversation with someone you disagree with
Recent events in the United States underscore a deep trend towards polarization that is spreading throughout the country. As current events bring up strong ...
Read MoreYour future rooftop could be made out of easy-to-install solar shingles
The roofs of the future may be made entirely out of solar panels. At least that’s the goal of GAF Energy, which has recently ...
Read More
