Sprayers and spray systems take center stage in 2026 AE50 innovation awards

USA – The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers has announced the winners of the 2026 AE50 Awards, with spraying equipment emerging as one of the strongest themes across this year’s list.

Each year, ASABE selects 50 products that show clear progress in agricultural, food, and biological engineering. An expert panel reviewed the entries and picked tools that show how digital tools, automation, and data based systems now guide many farm decisions.

Strong focus on spray accuracy

Spray application drew strong attention from both major machinery makers and specialist firms. Many developers now focus on cutting input use by applying chemicals only where crops need them.

John Deere received multiple awards for its See and Spray system. The system uses cameras to identify weeds and apply chemicals only to target areas. One version now serves farmers in Australia and Europe, while a second version adds variable rate control.

A John Deere spokesperson said “farmers want practical tools that help manage costs without adding more work in the cab. See and Spray focuses on putting product only where it belongs.”

John Deere also earned recognition for a combine based system that adjusts ground speed based on weed biomass. The feature operates on S7 and X9 combines and mirrors decisions that skilled operators often make in the field.

The company also picked up an award for its ExactInject system, which continues its work on more precise chemical handling.

Disease detection enters the field

Case IH also featured on the AE50 list with its SenseApply system. The tool uses a cab mounted camera with infrared sensing to identify weeds and signs of plant disease.

According to Case IH, “SenseApply gives growers the choice to apply fungicides and herbicides only when the crop signals a need, rather than covering the whole field.”

The system supports both fixed and variable rate spraying and aims to reduce waste while protecting yield.

Broader tools for input control

Precision Planting of Illinois earned recognition for its SymphonyVision system. Instead of switching nozzles on and off, the system adjusts spray rate based on weed density. Operators can follow label guidance while changing output as field conditions shift.

Beyond spraying, fertilizer handling also gained attention. Unverferth Manufacturing of Ohio received an AE50 award for its Air Command Section Control system. The pneumatic setup adjusts fertilizer flow across four sections using prescription maps supplied by the farmer.

An Unverferth representative noted “accurate placement matters just as much for nutrients as it does for crop protection products.”

Together, the 2026 AE50 winners show how careful input control continues to guide equipment design, with sprayers leading the way.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.