A smart robot designed to kill a harmful weed plant is in its final stages of testing by Dorset Council.

The autonomous farm robot, dubbed ‘Raggy’, has been created to help combat issues with ragwort – a poisonous weed that is damaging to land, horses, and other livestock.

Backed by funding from technology corporation Qualcomm Incorporated, the robot has been developed collaboratively by the council, research and development firm Robotriks, technology solutions company Telint, and network architecture specialists Neutral Networks.

According to the council, the fully-electric tool will enable the detection and elimination of ragwort, as well as decreasing reliance on chemicals and demanding labour.

The robot is now to begin its final testing at Dorset Innovation Park, where it will complete field trials at various farms in Dorset this summer.

In a statement today, the local authority highlighted the harmful effects of ragwort, which can kill horses and produces ‘major challenges for farmers and landowners’.

While pulling ragwort by hand is costly and labour intensive, the council confirmed that the use of the technology mitigates threats posed to people and the environment.

However, the council has emphasised that the weed is vital to supporting certain wildlife such as butterflies and bees. As a result, the approach will involve targeted control and see the removal of plants in locations where risk to grazing animals exists.

Jake Shaw-Sutton, Director of Robotriks said: ‘Our Robotic Traction Unit (RTU) is fully electric and built for real-life farm conditions. It is a modular platform, designed as a flexible farm multi-tool which can perform a range of tasks across agriculture and, potentially, other sectors.’

He added that by identifying and removing the weed mechanically at the root, the method will promote soil health, as well as protecting animals and habitats.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: ‘The team of Rangers, who do a great job managing and maintaining Dorset’s fantastic Country Parks, nature reserves and open spaces, spend many hours each year removing ragwort by hand.

‘We are delighted this autonomous and environmentally sensitive solution is being tested, evaluated and developed on our land here in Dorset.’