Arnaud's in running for top award at LAMMA
Herefordshire-based Arnaud Henry-Lefort has been named a finalist for the 2025 LAMMA Young Engineer Award.
Arnaud, Lead Machine Development Engineer at Ubiqutek Ltd, entered his invention, the Rootwave eWeeder, which is a solution for sustainable weed control in orchards, berry farms, and vineyards.
The eWeeder uses patented electrical technology to eliminate weeds without chemicals or soil disruption, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional herbicides and mechanical methods.
The system generates high-frequency, high-voltage energy via a tractor PTO-driven generator, which passes electricity through weeds, effectively "boiling" them from the roots up.
This approach ensures long-lasting weed eradication and supports sustainability goals by avoiding harmful residues, protecting biodiversity, and preserving soil health.
The eWeeder excels in flexibility and cost-efficiency. Unlike herbicides, it operates in broader weather conditions and avoids complex regulations. It surpasses mechanical weeding by providing superior efficacy without soil wear or specific soil conditions. Running costs per hectare are competitive with herbicides, further reduced by available government grants for sustainable farming technologies.
The eWeeder incorporates advanced features like anti-stall load management, adaptable power output, and modular components for easy maintenance. Its design emphasises user-friendliness, efficiency, and safety. With production underway and strong demand, the eWeeder is poised to revolutionise weed management, enhancing profitability and sustainability for farmers globally.
The Young Engineer Award is designed to highlight innovations and contributions of young engineers working in the agricultural sector. It celebrates individuals or teams aged 16-35 who have developed a piece of agricultural machinery, equipment or technology that has significantly enhanced efficiency, profitability or sustainability in farming operations.
The finalists were chosen by a team of expert judges, including Charlie Nicklin from the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), Charlie Rollason from AGCO Corp and Farmers Guardian Head of Machinery and Farm Technology Toby Whatley.
“The Young Engineer Award shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent of our young British agricultural engineers,” said Sarah Whittaker-Smith, Event Director at LAMMA.
“Engineering innovation has always been the backbone of our industry, and its continued advancement is essential for future success. This award not only celebrates fresh, forward-thinking ideas but also provides a platform to recognise and reward the next generation of innovators who are driving positive change in agriculture.”
The other 2025 LAMMA Young Engineer Award finalists are Jason McVerry, Mechanical Design Engineer at Redrock Machinery, and Alexander Sluijmers, Development Engineer at Perry of Oakley Limited.
Visitors can register for their free ticket to LAMMA on the event website.
