SKAi works by using computers, cameras, and Artificial Intelligence software. SKAi is trained to detect, locate and spray only the targeted weeds. 

Each detected weed in an image is given a GPS coordinate, which the system uses to reference the exact nozzles that are required to spray the weed, activating them as they pass over the weed. SKAi controls the sprayer to spray only the weeds in a field.

Each sprayed weed is mapped and as a SoilEssentials customer, the maps are uploaded and available for you to view through our digital farming platform, KORE.

Our Team sprayers have two tanks – clean water (1000L) + spray tank (200L).

The spray tank is filled with small, 200L batches of spray mix. Small batches means that there will not be much liquid left over when finishing spraying fields.

As the operator becomes more experienced, they will be able to look at a field and accurately estimate the weed populations or use a seasonal average weed population % as a base, and therefore the amount of chemical and water required.

SKAi can operate at speeds up to 10km/h, performing best when the cameras and booms travel smoothly. This helps accurate identification and location of weeds.

SKAi spraying speed should be tailored to the conditions and the appearance of the weeds.

We recommend: 

• Large Dock weeds in short grass, with clear light and smooth fields = 10km/h.
• Small weeds, on medium grass, in rough fields = 7km/h.

The SKAi sprayer works like a normal sprayer, with technology to turn it ON and OFF in response to weeds.

SKAi sprayers use normal chemicals, normal dilutions, normal application rates, it just applies much less spray mix to the field.

SKAi only targets the weeds, meaning that the sprayer applies less chemical to a field than blanket spraying. 

SKAi can save up to 100% on certain areas of fields. Average savings may be around 85%.

Chemical is not applied to grass and clover; therefore, the herbicide does not kill the clover, nor reduce grass yields.

Any clover in the sward remains and can continue to fix nitrogen, reducing artificial fertiliser requirements.

SKAi technology can be retrofitted to existing sprayers. The installation of SKAi can be, depending upon the sprayer make and plumbing design, a large task.

To make retrofit installation worthwhile, the sprayer must be relatively new, have boom

levelling, and have or be able to be fitted with a pressure-based rate control system, such as a Ramsey valve.

It is a bonus if the sprayer already has individual nozzle control but is not essential. The SKAi system is compatible with a range of nozzle systems, which can be fitted as a part of installation.

We have several Artificial intelligence models, that are essentially software programs that detect are trained to detect and locate different weeds which include: 

• Docks in Grassland
• Volunteer Potatoes in brassica crops
• Potato weeds in Onions

Upcoming models focus upon further weeds in grassland, weeds in sugar beet and further weeds in onions.

No, SKAi cannot currently spray at night.

There are two distinct elements of a SKAi sprayer:

• Conventional crop sprayer
• SKAi technology system

The crop sprayer element can be worked on by SoilEssentials or any agricultural engineer for that matter. The Team sprayers are reliable, easy to fix and spare parts can be easily sourced.

The SKAi technology system is a computer system and requires that SoilEssentials engineers work on it. Each SKAi system can be logged into remotely by technical support staff at the SoilEssentials office. 

Remote support is the first step in diagnosing an issue. Usually, the issue can be fixed remotely, via remote login or by phone call.

Should the issue require it, a SoilEssentials engineer would make a visit to you to fix the system.

SKAi Team sprayer systems have been found to be easy-to-setup and use and are proving to be reliable machines.