About

About AX-1

AX-1 photographs the crop row, analyses each image in real time and directs a micro-droplet of pelargonic acid onto detected weeds. The patented nozzle system applies treatment within a 6 × 6-millimetre area, shifting selectivity from the chemical formulation to the vision and targeting software.

The autonomous machine uses a modular, lightweight frame that can be configured around crop and field requirements. Its distributed dry weight of approximately 300 kilograms limits soil compaction, while targeted application can reduce chemical input by more than 96% under Kilter’s stated reference conditions.

Capabilities

Source-backed capabilities

Workflows: Crop recognition, weed detection, field-path execution and targeted micro-droplet herbicide application.
Operating environments: Vegetable farms and row-crop environments where in-row weeds are costly to treat manually.
Target markets: Growers seeking lower chemical input, reduced manual weeding and repeatable treatment timing.
Deployment model: Farm robot deployed through Kilter and partner distribution channels.
Precision weeding
Claimed - 2021-01-01 - Kilter identifies 2021 as the launch year for AX-1, its autonomous precision weeding robot.
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Precision weeding
Claimed - The AX-1 is identified as a precision-weeding robot that applies micro-droplets to weeds.
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Deployments

Operating Use
AX-1 commercial field use across Europe - 2025-07-18 - European farms - autonomous precision weeding - Kilter reported AX-1 commercial field use across Europe.
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Timeline

Kubota invests in Kilter to scale precision weeding in Europe
2026-02-18 - Funding - Kilter secured €6.5 million in new financing led by a strategic investment from Kubota. The company said the funding would support international scale-up and continued development as it moved toward a Series B round. Kubota also confirmed that AX-1 sales through its European distribution network would begin in 2026.
Source
Kilter wins Netherlands innovation award for AX-1
2026-01-12 - Award - Kilter announced that AX-1 received an innovation award in the Netherlands. The award was tied to a Dutch industry event focused on mechanisation and innovation in horticulture and vegetable production. The recognition added market validation for AX-1 in a core greenhouse and specialty-crop geography.
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Kilter and Kubota partner to scale AX-1 in European vegetables
2025-11-10 - Partnership - Kilter and Kubota agreed to pilot and promote AX-1 in Europe, starting in Germany and the Netherlands. The partnership was presented at Agritechnica 2025 and built on a successful 2025 pilot season with positive farmer feedback. Kubota's dealer network was positioned as the commercial route for selling and supporting AX-1 operations.
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AX-1 proves itself across Europe in commercial field use
2025-07-18 - Deployment - Kilter said AX-1 was proving itself in real field conditions across Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands. The company framed this as evidence of the robot moving beyond early launch into broader European farm use. This is best treated as trial-stage deployment across multiple markets rather than a single named customer rollout.
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Kilter secures NOK 95 million Series A for global expansion
2024-11-22 - Funding - Kilter raised NOK 95 million in a Series A round to expand AX-1 into new crops and new markets. The round was co-led by Pymwymic and Nufarm, with participation from SBG Invest, Natural Ventures, and ProAgInvest. Kilter said the funding would support international expansion, including Australia and New Zealand.
Source
Kilter launches AX-1 autonomous precision weeding robot
2021-01-01 - Product Launch - Kilter identifies 2021 as the launch year for AX-1, its autonomous precision weeding robot. AX-1 combines AI weed recognition with patented Single Drop Technology for millimetre-level spot treatment in bed-grown vegetables. The milestone captures AX-1's commercial emergence without overclaiming a more precise press-release date.
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Context

Market context

AX-1 is Kilter?s autonomous field robot for plant-level weed control in vegetable crops.

Target environment: Vegetable farms and row-crop environments where in-row weeds are costly to treat manually.
Workflow context: Crop recognition, weed detection, field-path execution and targeted micro-droplet herbicide application.
Customer context: Growers seeking lower chemical input, reduced manual weeding and repeatable treatment timing.
Deployment model: Farm robot deployed through Kilter and partner distribution channels.
Commercial maturity: Commercial field robot backed by Kilter?s sales and Kubota distribution activity in Europe.
Adoption constraints: Requires crop-specific configuration, field track setup, local support and fit with existing farm operations.
Market position: Precision-agriculture robot moving weed control from tractor-scale spraying to plant-level treatment.