# OpenWeedLocator (OWL)
**Open-source, low-cost weed detection for site-specific weed control**
[](https://github.com/geezacoleman/OpenWeedLocator/actions/workflows/tests.yml)
[](https://zenodo.org/badge/latestdoi/399194159)
[](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT)
[](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
OWL is a camera-based weed detection system based on the Raspberry Pi that uses green-detection algorithms to trigger relay-controlled solenoids for spot spraying. It's built entirely from off-the-shelf components and 3D-printable parts, making precision weed control accessible to anyone.
[**Website**](https://www.openweedlocator.org) | [**Documentation**](https://docs.openweedlocator.org) | [**Community**](https://community.openweedlocator.org) | [**Newsletter**](https://openagtech.beehiiv.com/)
### OWLs in Action
| 2m vehicle OWL |
2m robot-mounted OWL |
Bicycle OWL |
|
|
|
| 12m X-fold OWL (in development) |
4m OWL sprayer |
16 channel vegetables OWL |
|
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|
---
## Quick Start
```bash
# Clone and install on Raspberry Pi (Bookworm or Trixie OS)
git clone https://github.com/geezacoleman/OpenWeedLocator owl
bash owl/owl_setup.sh
```
During this process you'll be asked to setup:
1. Green-on-Green - this adds about 2GB of dependencies
2. Dashboard - standlone or networked
One complete you'll need to reboot and then it should be running.
To confirm, run `sudo systemctl status owl.service` or `sudo journalctl -u owl.service -f`
See the [two step installation guide](https://docs.openweedlocator.org/en/latest/software/index.html) for detailed instructions.
## Documentation
- [**Getting Started**](https://docs.openweedlocator.org/en/latest/getting-started/index.html) - What you need, how it works
- [**Hardware Assembly**](https://docs.openweedlocator.org/en/latest/hardware/index.html) - Parts list, wiring, 3D printing
- [**Software Setup**](https://docs.openweedlocator.org/en/latest/hardware/index.html) - Installation, configuration, algorithms
- [**Controller Setup**](https://docs.openweedlocator.org/en/latest/controllers/index.html) - Standalone and networked dashboards
- [**Troubleshooting**](https://docs.openweedlocator.org/en/latest/troubleshooting/index.html) - Common issues and fixes
### Contributing
Contributions are welcome! See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for guidelines, or join the conversation at [community.openweedlocator.org](https://community.openweedlocator.org).
## Citing OWL
OpenWeedLocator was originally published in [Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-03858-9).
```
@article{Coleman2022,
author = {Coleman, Guy and Salter, William and Walsh, Michael},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-03858-9},
issn = {2045-2322},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
number = {1},
pages = {170},
title = {{OpenWeedLocator (OWL): an open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection}},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03858-9},
volume = {12},
year = {2022}
}
```
The OWL speed testing paper has been published in [Computers and Electronics in Agriculture](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168169923008074). Please
consider citing the published article using the details below.
```
@article{Coleman2023,
author = {Coleman, Guy R.Y. and Macintyre, Angus and Walsh, Michael J. and Salter, William T.},
doi = {10.1016/j.compag.2023.108419},
issn = {0168-1699},
journal = {Computers and Electronics in Agriculture},
pages = {108419},
title = {{Investigating image-based fallow weed detection performance on Raphanus sativus and Avena sativa at speeds up to 30 km h$^{-1}$}},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2023.108419},
volume = {215},
year = {2023}
}
```
### License
This project is licensed under the [MIT License](LICENSE).
## Star History
[](https://star-history.com/#geezacoleman/OpenWeedLocator&Timeline)