Farmers looking for alternatives to traditional herbicides may soon have a new option: lasers. Carbon Robotics, a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence-driven agricultural solutions, has developed the Laser Weeder, a machine designed to eliminate weeds using high-powered lasers.
Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, explained that the Laser Weeder operates without chemicals, cultivation, or manual labor. “We kill them with these really high-powered lasers. We don’t have to touch the ground, no cultivation, no spray, no people out there picking weeds. They just get destroyed with high-powered lasers,” Mikesell said.
According to Mikesell, eliminating the need for chemical herbicides offers several advantages. Farmers do not have to worry about regulatory bans on herbicides, potential crop damage, or prolonged exposure to chemicals. Additionally, because the Laser Weeder is not a chemical input, it can support organic farming.
The labor savings are another significant benefit, according to Carbon Robotics. Mikesell stated that one Laser Weeder can replace the work of about 70 laborers, reducing costs and alleviating concerns about labor shortages, overtime pay, and housing requirements for agricultural workers.
Mikesell, whose background is in artificial intelligence, emphasized the role of AI in improving agricultural efficiency. “AI is my background. It’s where I come from. And the whole company was really started because I saw the advancements in AI,” he said. The Laser Weeder’s AI system continuously improves as it collects data from fields, enhancing its ability to detect and eliminate weeds.
Mikesell also pointed out that this application of AI has been met with little controversy compared to other AI-driven technologies. “Nobody cares that you’re detecting weeds,” he said. “And our machines, we have so many machines in the fields now, and they’re all sending images up to our data center. So our AI is just getting better and better all the time.”
For farmers interested in learning more about Carbon Robotics and the Laser Weeder, Mikesell directed them to the company’s website and social media channels, where they provide updates and demonstrations.
As farming technology continues to evolve, innovations like the Laser Weeder may offer viable solutions to weed control while addressing labor and chemical concerns in the agricultural industry.
Hear the interview below.