September 1-3, 2026  •  Caesars Forum  •  Las Vegas

DROCATEX

DROCATEX

What is it?

Drocatex is a weeding robot with an automaton carried by an existing small drone, or included in a specialized small drone, for eliminating pine processionary caterpillar nests, by approaching on its own the designated nest to automatically cut the branch on which it is installed.

Who is using it?

This solution is very environmentally friendly; no chemicals are used. There are no adverse effects on plants or animals. The operator can be anyone (a gardener, an employee of a landscaping company, a local council employee, an agent from the Water and Forests Department, etc.). It is not a drone pilot.

How is it making an impact?

The operator places the robot on the ground facing the nest, presses a button, and watches what happens without further intervention. –

  • The robot: climbs vertically to the top of the tree,
  • Descends slowly whilst scanning the tree with its front-facing camera to locate the caterpillar nest (a large white patch against a green background),
  • Stops descending,
  • Calculates the angle of inclination of the white patch.
  • Moves horizontally until he hits the branch supporting the nest, which triggers the automaton mechanism.
  • Returns to its starting point.