Autonomous Precision Agriculture: Herbicide Innovation
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent on stable, concentrated herbicidal compositions addressed the need for efficient crop protection. However, it did not account for the increasing complexity of modern farming, herbicide resistance, and environmental concerns. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing autonomous, precision application and monitoring systems that minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, and optimize crop yields.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in crop protection by integrating autonomous drones, machine learning, and modular farming, which are not obvious extensions of the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination of these components to create a precision agriculture system that addresses the limitations of traditional herbicidal compositions.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of other autonomous vehicles, such as ground-based robots or satellites, for precision herbicide application and monitoring. Variations may include the integration of additional sensors, such as soil moisture sensors or weather stations, to further optimize crop yields and minimize environmental impact.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The invention has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in precision agriculture, crop protection, and sustainable farming practices. The target market includes large-scale farming operations, agricultural cooperatives, and companies focused on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A01 | A01N25/22 |
| A | A01 | A01N25/02 |
| A | A01 | A01N25/30 |
| A | A01 | A01N57/12 |
| A | A01 | A01N57/20 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,949 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stable, concentrated herbicidal compositions |
| Assignee(s) | BASF SE |