Drones have become indispensable in precision agriculture, where they are used for the targeted application of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. This technology allows farmers to precisely manage their resources, reduce costs, and monitor crop conditions more closely. UAVOS Inc. has recently enhanced its fleet for precision farming with the addition of the R22-UV unmanned helicopter. This innovative aircraft is a converted Robinson R22 helicopter, tailored for unmanned operations.
“Farmers today face a multitude of complex challenges,” said Aliaksei Stratsilatau, CEO of UAVOS, in an interview with The Robot Report. “From water access to changing climate conditions, wind, soil quality, weed and insect presence, and variable growing seasons, these factors significantly impact farm success. Drones enable spot spraying, allowing tasks to be completed more efficiently, with lower costs and reduced environmental impact.”
Based in Mountain View, California, UAVOS specializes in developing hardware and software for precision agriculture, providing turnkey solutions, and converting manned aircraft into unmanned vehicles. The company also designs and manufactures essential components such as servo drives, pan-tilt platforms, and rescue and emergency landing systems. UAVOS, in collaboration with Stratodynamics, recently achieved a record altitude of 30km (18.6 miles) with the HiDRON high-altitude drone, operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) from Canada.
The R22-UV features a custom-developed Simplex Model 222 spray system, weighing 42kg (92.59 lbs.), and is equipped with a 100-liter (26.4-gallon) tank. This UAV can remain airborne for up to two hours and boasts a spray boom width of 7 meters (22.9 ft.), covering a swath width of 14 to 16 meters (45.9 to 52.4 ft.).
UAVOS highlights the R22-UV as an ideal replacement for backpack sprayers and conventional piloted aircraft. The unmanned helicopter does not require an airfield or runway, minimizes worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, and allows for precise spraying for weed, pest, and disease control.
Furthermore, the R22-UV is particularly advantageous in highly humid environments where heavy equipment can damage crops. By using UAVs like the R22-UV, farmers can more accurately track and manage the effectiveness of their spraying activities.
“Precision agriculture relies on valuable metrics to optimize crop management,” explained Stratsilatau. “Unmanned aircraft enable our customers to validate damage reports accurately and devise comprehensive solutions.”
The global precision agriculture market is expected to experience significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% from 2019 to 2025, according to Markets and Markets. Grand View Research also forecasts a CAGR of 14.2% for the same period. While estimates and methodologies vary, analysts agree that North America is experiencing strong growth, driven by the adoption of remote sensors, high-precision positioning systems, and mobile devices like drones.