The next-generation farm equipment combines robotics, AI and laser tech and has been developed in the US to help boost food production and reduce the use of damaging herbicides.
The farm robot, the 2022 LaserWeeder from Carbon Robotics, attaches to the back of tractors for use on large-scale specialty row crops such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, chard, cilantro, kale, lettuce, onions, spinach, and tomatoes.
The Seattle-based company was founded by Paul Mikesell in 2018 and its high-power lasers were designed to eradicate weeds through thermal energy without disturbing the soil.
This paves the way for a regenerative approach which leads to healthier crops and higher yields, according to its maker, and the tech also reduces labour costs and offers a sustainable alternative to herbicides and an economical path to organic farming.
The 2022 LaserWeeder features 30 industrial lasers capable of weeding 15 to 20 acres of crops in one day, and the latest model, launched in February, builds on the range, with a self-driving model launched by Carbon Robotics in 2021.