On date palm farms, the Shaddad farm robot takes over repetitive work row by row: targeted spraying, mowing between the palms, and sterilisation. In doing so it replaces much of the seasonal labour, along with the transport, housing and management bill that comes with it. That is why Shaddad was built and field-tested on palm farms in particular, where labour costs weigh heaviest.
Why palm farms need a robot
A palm farm means long, repetitive work: weeds growing between rows, pest and fertiliser spraying through the season, and large areas in high heat. Usually that means relying on large seasonal crews, with costs that go beyond wages: transport, housing, supervision, and performance that varies from crew to crew.
What Shaddad does on a palm farm
Mowing between rows
With the Mower attachment, Shaddad cuts vegetation regularly and autonomously, pass after pass, with no mowing crew.
Targeted spraying
With the computer-vision guided Sprayer, only the palm that needs treatment is sprayed, cutting chemical use by up to 60% and reducing drift. Details in precision spraying with computer vision.
Soil preparation and herbicide-free weed control
With the Cultivator attachment, soil and weeds are treated mechanically instead of chemically.
Continuous scouting
While it works, Shaddad images every row and flags signs of pests and stress early, so spraying goes where it is actually needed.
How the farm’s economics change
Instead of fixed wages for crews on site all season, the farm orders the operation it needs and pays in SAR per hectare per operation through Robotics-as-a-Service. We manage the fleet, and you measure the result in manual labour hours replaced per hectare.
Frequently asked questions
Can the robot move safely between palm rows?
Yes. Shaddad follows routes defined during the farm assessment, with precise navigation and low ground pressure.
Does the robot replace all labour?
It takes over repetitive work such as spraying, mowing and scouting, while operators supervise and step in when needed.
How do I start?
With a free assessment: a ROBOTAT agronomy team visits your farm and defines the right routes and operations.
Book a free palm farm assessment: explore ROBOTAT or contact us.