At LAMMA 2026 OPICO will unveil FarmDroid’s +Seed 14mm precision sowing system. Following comprehensive field testing of 10 units across Europe in 2025, the new setup has proven its capability to work in a much broader range of crops including maize, beans and peas. As well as enabling the FarmDroid to handle large and irregularly-shaped seeds, the new units also increase sowing capacity by up to 20%.

The larger seeding system significantly expands the capabilities of the autonomous, solar-powered robots, making them a viable solution for growers who need to drill larger seeds. The development also allows vegetable and salad producers to target the highest value crops and provides options for certain organic operations, some of which would have previously been out of reach.

With the FarmDroid, farmers can now sow seeds up to 14mm in diameter (15mm opening), including maize, peas, beans and chickpeas. The seeding system retains the same precision seed placement of 8mm as with the former +Seed6 unit (6mm diameter, 10mm opening), but increases seeding capacity by up to 20%.

“This is a huge development in what the FarmDroid can offer. For an organic dairy farmer, it opens up scope for the efficient establishment of maize, something that wasn’t previously practical or economical,” explains FarmDroid regional sales manager, Rasmus Theusen.

“At the same time, growers of high-value crops such as sweetcorn, green beans and peas now have the option for an organic offering, further adding value to their enterprise.

“Whether you're an organic farmer looking to grow maize or a veg grower aiming to enter premium markets, with its ability to operate at speeds of up to 900m/hr the +Seed 14mm system offers a solid return on investment.”

+Seed 14mm system and upgrades

• Handles seeds from 0.8mm to 14mm diameter, including irregular shapes
• Compatible with 111 seed types; individual placement, seeding in rows or in clusters
• Larger seed hopper: 7 litres, reducing time between refills
• Faster forward speeds: 720-900m/hr, crop dependent
• Improved weeding precision: Tools can now work even closer to the plant
• Expanded weeding tools: Range of shares and blades to suit specific crops
• Row spacing: 25cm to 90cm

Not solely restricted to new machines, the new +Seed 14mm units are available to existing FarmDroid customers who want to upgrade their seed-and-weed robots without having to invest in a completely new machine.

An insert is also available to allow any FarmDroid fitted with the new +Seed 14mm system to be able to drill smaller seeds down to 0.8mm diameter.

Prices for a FarmDroid with the new, larger +Seed 14mm seeding system start from £69,400. An upgrade kit for an existing six-row unit is in the region of £2,320 per row.

Visitors to LAMMA 2026 will be able to view a FarmDroid fitted with the new +Seed 14mm seeding system on the OPICO stand, in Hall 6, on Stand 440.