Stef Williams, CEO of Aerialworx, explained:
“As outlined in the Phase One summary, the challenges associated with applying pesticides across large agricultural areas are significant. If you have not yet reviewed this, we would strongly encourage doing so for context. Read more about Green Eagle One – Phase One.

While the results achieved within five weeks last year were highly impressive, the system was not without its challenges. In principle, the solution functioned as intended; however, operational performance fell short of the efficiency and scalability required.

Green Eagle One was designed as a single-drone solution, integrating an onboard AI computer and vision system for weed detection alongside a payload of up to 5 litres of chemical treatment. In practice, the AI processing pipeline required sufficient time to detect and classify weeds, which necessitated slower flight speeds to avoid motion blur and ensure accurate identification. As a result, by the time classification was complete, the aircraft had often already passed the target. This significantly reduced operational efficiency and limited the system’s ability to cover large areas effectively.

To address these limitations, Green Eagle Two introduces a fundamentally revised architecture based on a dual-drone system. A lightweight scout drone is deployed to survey the area, detect and classify weeds, and generate precise GPS coordinates. These coordinates are then transmitted to a second, dedicated treatment drone, which can operate at higher speeds and deliver targeted application directly to the identified locations.

The scout drone is optimised for rapid area coverage, with the capability to operate in challenging environmental conditions—including high winds and rain—while utilising terrain-following and extended flight endurance of up to 30 minutes. This enables efficient scanning of multiple fields within a single mission.

The treatment drone, freed from the constraints of real-time detection, can focus solely on precision application. This separation of roles significantly improves overall system efficiency. Additionally, when the treatment payload is depleted, the drone can return for refilling and seamlessly resume operations from its previous position, ensuring continuity and minimising downtime.”

Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Managing Director of M-SParc said:

“Watching the Green Eagle in operation is amazing. The Aerialworx team program the drone, so that it knows what part of the field needs scanning and then they press the button and off it goes looking for weeds and spot delivering pesticide.”

“The future of agriculture is loaded with challenges and opportunities for innovation and technology. This explored the challenges and opportunities, delivering a prototype and a glimpse of the future.”

“This is a very exciting project, developed by Welsh companies here in North Wales. There is opportunity to continue this project, creating well-paid, specialist careers in developing this technology further. It’s just another way we are proving that rural areas can be, and indeed are, at the centre of innovation.”