The laser obstacle remover under the blue laser effect is trimming the branches. (PHOTO: Red Coast Base company)

By QI Liming

Recently, a video showing a laser cannon being used to trim tree branches went viral on the Internet. In the video, the machine shoots a blue laser beam and the branches on the tree are cut off, making netizens marvel that “science fiction has become a shining reality."

The laser cannon, also known as the laser obstacle remover, is a new product developed by a Chinese company. It consists of five parts: a power supply unit, a laser generating device, a laser emitter, a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) head for targeting, and a laptop that can be operated remotely.

The principle of laser pruning is to shoot a laser beam of a certain power and bandwidth at the branch from a certain distance to achieve the cutting effect.

With the help of the high-precision PTZ, the machine automatically plans the path of the beam for cutting and can hit a target tens of meters away. In addition to pruning branches, this laser cannon can also be used to destroy hornets’ nests. Fire departments are known to use it for that purpose. 

While improving efficiency and reducing operational risks, this equipment has strict control and operation procedures. When it is in operation, once a person or animal is identified in the path of its beam, it will immediately stop emitting light, causing no harm. To ensure safety, device operators must undergo training before operating it.