Sentera is now part of John Deere — accelerating the future of precision agriculture, together.  Learn more ›

Sentera is now part of John Deere — accelerating the future of precision agriculture, together.  Learn more ›

Unlocking the Power of Precision: How Sentera and Capstan Ag Are Transforming Targeted Weed Control

By Andrew Muehlfeld, Sentera & Brian Finstrom, Capstan Ag 

Where Precision Meets Action
In a market full of incremental improvements, Sentera and Capstan Ag are taking a giant leap forward. 

Born from a shared commitment to practical innovation, the partnership between these two tech-driven teams delivers something truly new: the integration of drone-generated SMARTSCRIPT™ Weeds prescriptions with Capstan’s Pinpoint III Envelop system for nozzle-by-nozzle weed control. 

“We knew there was potential to push the boundaries of  affordable application precision,” said Eric Taipale, CTO of Sentera. “This collaboration really redefines the link between an insight and a high-precision action— it’s field-ready and delivers obvious benefits to the grower.” 

Capstan activated a high-speed interface in their system—originally designed for other purposes—that opened the door for deeper integration. Sentera responded by building the Spot Spray Control Module, purposely engineered to utilize the connection to dramatically increase potential herbicide savings. 

“Pinpoint III has always been about pushing the boundaries of application accuracy,” said Brian Finstrom of Capstan Ag. “Sentera brought the agronomic layer we needed to make those capabilities truly precise and profitable.” 

The outcome? SMARTSCRIPT files now trigger nozzle-level applications in areas as small as a few square feet—far more refined than the 7–10-foot-long spray zones used by most platforms today. 

From handshake to in-field validation: just seven months. 

Integration That Works in the Field, Not Just on Paper
SMARTSCRIPT tells you where to spray. Capstan ensures it happens with mechanical precision. But the real magic is in the system that sits between the two. 

Sentera’s Spot Spray Control Module interfaces directly with boom-tip GPS, makes decisions at 10x the speed of most other monitors, and issues nozzle-by-nozzle instructions on the fly. 

It’s a fast, intelligent control layer that doesn’t just “talk” to the sprayer—it directs it. 

“We built an intelligent controller that leverages what the Capstan equipment can really do” said Taipale. “We’re turning high-resolution weed maps into high-accuracy spray decisions, hitting the target and running at full speed across the field.”

Smaller Spray Box. Bigger Impact.
In 2025 field trials, the teams proved they could reduce spray zone length down to 1.5 feet while maintaining a 97% hit rate—across both 12 and 18 mph – the same efficacy as broadcast applications. 

Compare that to most sprayer systems, which operate with 7–10-foot minimum length spray zones, and the difference is clear: tighter targeting, less overapplication, and greater input savings. 

The trials used a 2012 AGCO RoGator RG900—proof that this innovation can enable existing equipment, not just the latest models. 

Retrofit-Ready for Real-World Farms
This isn’t showroom tech. It’s ready for the real world. 

SMARTSCRIPT prescriptions can be executed by a range of sprayer platforms equipped with Capstan’s Pinpoint III or other compatible nozzle-control systems. That means growers don’t have to overhaul their fleets or budgets to get started. 

“We designed this to be retrofit-ready,” said Finstrom. “You don’t need a brand-new sprayer. You need the right control system and the right prescription—and with Sentera, together we deliver both.” 

Looking Ahead
This collaboration is just the beginning. 

In 2025, Sentera is expanding SMARTSCRIPT’s availability across select ag retail networks, with enhancements like advanced weed classification, weed size detection, stand counts, and faster prescription delivery. The Spot Spray Control Module is on track for commercial availability in 2026. 

“We see this as a long-term evolution,” said Taipale. “Together, we’re giving growers and ag retailers a path to scale precision—without sacrificing flexibility or speed.” 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking to bring this level of precision to your farm or retail fleet, connect with our teams today. 

Learn more: Sentera www.sentera.com and Capstan Ag at www.capstanag.com