Overview of the Autonomous Spraying Robot Kilter AX-1

A joint project by Kubota and Kilter AS. In modern agriculture — particularly in vegetable production and specialty crops — technologies that reduce chemical load, improve precision, and automate labor-intensive operations are becoming essential. One of the most innovative solutions in this segment is the Kilter AX-1, an autonomous precision spraying robot developed by the Norwegian startup Kilter AS and promoted in partnership with Kubota.

Kubota & Kilter Partnership

The Japanese manufacturer Kubota has entered a strategic collaboration with Kilter AS to scale and distribute the Kilter AX-1 across European markets. Leveraging Kubota’s extensive dealer network and after-sales support, Kilter’s high-precision robotic technology gains reliable access to professional growers.

Key Capabilities & Technologies

Single Drop Technology (SDT): the robot applies a micro-drop of herbicide directly onto each weed, without touching the crop.

AI-powered weed recognition achieving precision of approximately 6 × 6 mm.

Fully autonomous navigation, allowing minimal operator intervention during operation.

Lightweight design (approximately 260–300 kg), reducing soil compaction.

Modular platform with several width configurations suitable for diverse row crops.

Applications

The Kilter AX-1 is primarily designed for vegetable production and specialty crops grown on ridges or raised beds, such as:

• leafy vegetables,
• root crops,
• culinary herbs,
• berry plantations,
• dense-planted vegetable rows.

Pilot programs are already underway in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia.

Technical Specifications

Key Benefits for Growers

1. Significant herbicide savings due to ultra-precise spot application.
2. Reduced manual labor — autonomous operation decreases the need for field workers.
3. Crop protection — crops remain untouched and undamaged during treatment.
4. Sustainability — minimal chemical input and lower soil impact.
5. Modern, innovative image — using robotics strengthens the competitiveness of agricultural businesses.

Important Considerations

The machine is still in early-market deployment, so service availability may vary by region.

Proper calibration is required for specific crops and field conditions.

Staff training is recommended when introducing autonomous systems into daily operations.

The Kilter AX-1 autonomous spraying robot, promoted globally through Kubota, represents a new level of precision agriculture: AI recognition, pinpoint herbicide placement, autonomous mobility, and dramatic chemical reduction make it a promising technology for high-value vegetable and specialty crop producers.

Sprayer Spare Parts from BAS-Agro (Ukraine)

Although original spare parts specifically for the Kilter AX-1 are not yet widely available, BAS-Agro offers an extensive range of components for conventional agricultural sprayers.
In the catalogue section “Spare parts for sprayers” (https://bas.ua/shop/spare-parts-for-sprayers-000000033-1), growers can find:

• spray nozzles and spray heads,
• high-pressure hoses and pipeline components,
• pumps, filters, valves,
• mounting hardware,
• sealing kits and repair components.

This allows farms to maintain their sprayers in fully operational condition, regardless of brand or model year.