At the 2026 World Ag Expo in Tulare, one of the most talked-about innovations isn’t a new tractor or chemical — it’s a laser. Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, is transforming weed control with AI-powered robotics, starting with a backyard experiment in 2018 and now deployed in 15 countries worldwide.
How AI Meets Farming
Mikesell’s journey began far from the farm. A Seattle native and University of Washington computer science graduate, he spent decades pioneering technology with companies like Isilon Systems, Uber, and Oculus. His deep expertise in neural networks, the AI behind self-driving cars and advanced vision systems, led him to ask: What if AI could solve real problems for farmers?
After extensive conversations with growers, Mikesell identified a critical challenge: weed control. Traditional methods rely heavily on herbicides and manual labor, which can harm crops, farmers, and the environment. Carbon Robotics’ solution? The LaserWeeder, an AI-driven robot that identifies weeds in real-time and eliminates them with precision lasers — no chemicals required.
The LaserWeeder Advantage
The benefits of Carbon Robotics’ technology are clear:
- Cost Savings: Up to 80% reduction in weed control expenses
- Labor Efficiency: Less need for manual weeding crews
- Healthier Crops: Reduced chemical stress leads to earlier, higher-quality yields
- Environmental Impact: Eliminates herbicide exposure, protecting soil and farmer health
“Every season is the most important season,” Mikesell explains. The LaserWeeder pays for itself in under three years, giving farmers a clear return on investment while reducing environmental risks.
Modular Growth and the Autonomous Tractor Kit
Carbon Robotics continues to innovate. The G2 LaserWeeder, introduced in 2025, features a modular design that accommodates multiple crop types. In 2026, the company unveiled the Carbon ATK (Autonomous Tractor Kit), which converts existing tractors into fully autonomous machines.
Key features include:
- Remote monitoring and exception handling for uninterrupted operation
- Compatibility with tillage, cultivation, spray rigs, and the LaserWeeder
- AI-powered intelligence for precise, adaptable field management
Farmers can deploy the system overnight and return to a full day’s work completed — a level of reliability unmatched in other autonomous platforms.
Direct Support and Accessibility
Mikesell emphasizes hands-on support. Every customer receives:
- On-site training and implementation
- 24/7 support via app or direct contact
- No distributors — all service comes directly from Carbon Robotics
“The goal is to make it as easy as possible for farmers,” he says. By combining world-class AI robotics with personalized support, Carbon Robotics ensures growers can maximize both productivity and profitability.
Advocacy for California Farmers
Beyond technology, Mikesell advocates for policies that support autonomous farming. He points out the regulatory gray area in California that hinders farmers from fully utilizing autonomous tractors, despite self-driving cars operating freely on city streets.
His call to action: clarify regulations and empower growers to adopt advanced tools safely and efficiently, ensuring California agriculture remains competitive and sustainable.
See It in Action
Carbon Robotics showcases the LaserWeeder on social media, including YouTube demonstrations where lasers hit simulated weeds with perfect precision. Farmers can explore their full range of solutions and see real-world applications at carbonrobotics.com.
Contact the team directly:
- Email: info@carbonrobotics.com | sales@carbonrobotics.com | paulm@carbonrobotics.com
- Social Media: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok
Listen to the full interview and watch the feature video to see AI-powered precision farming in action — a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture, right here in California and around the world.
Watch Founder & CEO Paul Mikesell explain Carbon Robotics technologies that are used in its AI-powered LaserWeeder.