Blue River Technology See & Spray — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Blue River Technology |
|---|---|
| Model | See & Spray |
| Year | 2021 |
| Category | Agricultural |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Cellular |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- Per-plant weed detection using computer vision
- Up to 77% herbicide reduction vs broadcast spraying
- Deployed across millions of US corn and soy acres
- Acquired by John Deere in 2017 for $305M
- Mounts on existing John Deere sprayer equipment
- Operates at commercial field speed
- See & Spray Ultimate — production field-scale version
What is it?
The Blue River Technology See & Spray is a precision herbicide application system developed by Blue River Technology, a company acquired by John Deere in 2017. Introduced in 2021, See & Spray utilizes advanced computer vision and machine learning technologies to identify individual weeds in real time as it navigates agricultural fields. This system applies targeted herbicides only to detected weeds, rather than using traditional broadcast spraying techniques across the entire field. By doing so, it significantly reduces herbicide use by up to 77%, addressing environmental concerns related to herbicide overuse and enhancing crop management efficiency.
Deployed across millions of acres of corn, soy, and cotton fields in the United States, See & Spray represents an evolution in precision agriculture. Its integration with existing John Deere sprayer equipment allows for seamless implementation in commercial farming operations, enabling farmers to maintain productivity while adhering to sustainable farming practices. The See & Spray Ultimate, the production field-scale version, operates at field speed, providing a timely solution to weed management during critical crop growth stages.
Key specs
- Autonomy level: Fully-autonomous
- Environment: Outdoor
- Connectivity: WiFi, Cellular
- Year introduced: 2021
- Country of origin: United States
- Purchase type: B2B - Request for Quote (RFQ)
- Herbicide reduction: Up to 77% compared to traditional broadcast spraying
- Deployment context: Used across millions of acres of corn, soy, and cotton in the US
- Compatibility: Mounts on existing John Deere sprayer equipment
- Commercial operational capability: Operates at field speed
Limitations
- Price: Not publicly listed; requires direct inquiry for quotes.
- Operational constraints: Limited to outdoor environments and may not be suitable for all crop types.
- Market availability: Primarily available through John Deere networks, which may limit direct access for some buyers.
- Coverage area: Effectiveness may vary based on the density and type of weed present in the field.
- Technology dependence: Relies heavily on the robustness of computer vision and machine learning algorithms, which may require regular updates and maintenance.
FAQ
How much does the Blue River Technology See & Spray cost?
The price of the Blue River Technology See & Spray is not listed publicly. However, it is noted that this technology was acquired by John Deere for $305 million in 2017, indicating a significant investment in precision agriculture.
What is the Blue River Technology See & Spray used for?
The Blue River Technology See & Spray is used for precision herbicide application in agriculture. It utilizes computer vision and machine learning to identify and target individual weeds, reportedly reducing herbicide use by up to 77% compared to traditional broadcast spraying.
What are the key specs of the Blue River Technology See & Spray?
The See & Spray operates fully autonomously outdoors and is designed to mount on existing John Deere sprayer equipment. It connects via WiFi and cellular networks, and is deployed across millions of acres of corn, soy, and cotton in the United States.
Who is the Blue River Technology See & Spray for?
The See & Spray is primarily targeted at farmers and agricultural businesses seeking to enhance weed management and reduce herbicide costs. Its advanced technology and efficiency are especially beneficial for those managing large-scale crops.
How does the Blue River Technology See & Spray compare to traditional spraying methods?
Unlike traditional broadcast spraying methods that apply herbicide uniformly across a field, the See & Spray's precision application reduces herbicide use by up to 77%, targeting only detected weeds. This represents a substantial improvement in herbicide efficiency and environmental sustainability.