Investors are putting more cash behind the self-driving weed-zapping machines made by Carbon Robotics that are attracting attention from farmers across the world.
The Seattle-based startup just landed $27 million to help meet demand. Its AI-powered autonomous robot uses computer vision software to identify weeds growing in fields, and then zaps them with precision 150-watt thermal bursts from lasers.
The company has already sold out of its 2021 and 2022 models of the robot, reporting more than $20 million in bookings.
Its technology gives farmers a way to eliminate weeds without pesticides; to improve soil quality; to grow more organic produce; and to address both the ongoing labor shortage and increasing wages.
James Johnson, vice president of Carzalia Valley Produce in southwest New Mexico and a fourth generation farmer, said his farm has traditionally been “intense” pesticide users. It has moved to more sustainable farming methods over the past several years, and Carbon’s robot checked a lot of boxes.
“It saves money, it saves time, and it saves our soil biology,” Johnson said this week via phone, on a short break from onion harvesting.
YEAH ROBOTS!!! POWERFUL LASERS!!
