Horticulturae (Jun 2025)
A Review of Intelligent Orchard Sprayer Technologies: Perception, Control, and System Integration
Abstract
With the ongoing advancement of global agricultural modernization, intelligent technologies have gained significant attention in agricultural production—particularly in the field of intelligent orchard sprayers, where notable progress has been achieved. Intelligent orchard sprayers, equipped with precise sensing and control systems, enable targeted spraying. This enhances the efficiency of crop health management, reduces pesticide usage, minimizes environmental pollution, and supports the development of precision agriculture. This review focuses on three core modules of intelligent sprayer technology: perception and intelligent control, spray deposition and drift control, and autonomous navigation with system integration. By addressing key areas such as sensor technologies, object detection algorithms, and real-time control strategies, this review explores current challenges and future directions for intelligent orchard sprayer technology. It also discusses existing technical bottlenecks and obstacles to large-scale adoption. Finally, this review highlights the pivotal role of intelligent orchard sprayer technology in enhancing crop management efficiency, improving environmental sustainability, and facilitating the transformation of agricultural production systems.
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