AI robots fill in for weed killers and farm hands
As farms across the United States face a shortage of laborers and weeds grow resistant to herbicides, startup Aigen says its robotic solution -- named Element -- can save farmers money, help the environment and keep harmful chemicals out of food.
"I really believe this is the biggest thing we can do to improve human health," co-founder and chief technology officer Richard Wurden told AFP, as robots made their way through crops at Bowles Farm in the town of Los Banos.
"Everybody's eating food sprayed with chemicals."
Wurden, a mechanical engineer who spent five years at Tesla, went to work on the robot after relatives who farm in Minnesota told him weeding was a costly bane.
Weeds are becoming immune to herbicides, but a shortage of laborers often leaves chemicals as the only viable option, according to Wurden.
"No farmer that we've ever talked to said 'I'm in love with chemicals'," added Aigen co-founder and chief executive Kenny Lee, whose background is in software.
"They use it because it's a tool -- we're trying to create an alternative."
Element the robot resembles a large table on wheels, solar panels on top. Metal arms equipped with small blades reach down to hoe between crop plants.
"It actually mimics how humans work," Lee said as the temperature hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) under a cloudless sky.
"When the sun goes down, it just powers down and goes to sleep; then in the morning it comes back up and starts going again."
The robot's AI system takes in data from on-board cameras, allowing it to follow crop rows and identify weeds.
"If you think this is a job that we want humans doing, just spend two hours in the field weeding," Wurden said.
Aigen's vision is for workers who once toiled in the heat to be "upskilled" to monitor and troubleshoot robots.
Along with the on-board AI, robots communicate wirelessly with small control centers, notifying handlers of mishaps.
Future giant?
Aigen has robots running in tomato, cotton, and sugar beet fields, and touts the technology's ability to weed without damaging the crops.
Lee estimated that it takes about five robots to weed 160 acres (65 hectares) of farm.
The robots made by the 25-person startup -- based in the city of Redmond, outside Seattle -- are priced at $50,000.
The company is focused on winning over politically conservative farmers with a climate friendly option that relies on the sun instead of costly diesel fuel that powers heavy machinery.
"Climate, the word, has become politicized but when you get really down to brass tacks farmers care about their land," Lee said.
The technology caught the attention of Amazon Web Services (AWS), the e-commerce giant's cloud computing unit.
Aigen was chosen for AWS's "Compute for Climate" fellowship program that provides AI tools, data center power, and technical help for startups tackling environmental woes.
"Aigen is going to be one of the industry giants in the future," said AWS head of climate tech startups business development Lisbeth Kaufman.
"I think about Ford and the Model T, or Edison and the light bulb -- that's Kenny and Rich and Aigen."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Tesla shares drop 8% as Elon Musk's 'America Party' sparks investor concerns
Tesla shares fell nearly 8% on Monday after CEO Elon Musk's plans to launch a new U.S. political party reignited concerns about his commitment to the company's future as it struggles with declining sales. Elon Musk unveiled the 'America Party' over the weekend after a public dispute with President Donald Trump on the tax-cut and spending bill. (AFP) Musk unveiled the 'America Party' over the weekend after a public dispute with President Donald Trump on the tax-cut and spending bill. Trump, who was once an ally of Musk, called the latest idea "ridiculous". Trump had threatened to cut off the billions of dollars in subsidies that Musk's companies receive from the federal government after their feud erupted into an all-out social media brawl in early June. Musk's political move comes days after Tesla posted a second straight drop in quarterly deliveries, pressuring its stock which has lost 35% since hitting a record high in December and is the worst performing among the 'Magnificent Seven' this year. "I and every other Tesla investor would prefer to be out of the business of politics. The sooner this distraction can be removed and Tesla gets back to actual business, the better," said Camelthorn Investments adviser Shawn Campbell, who owns Tesla shares. The company is set to lose more than $80 billion in market valuation if current losses hold, while traders are set to make about $1.4 billion in paper profits from their short positions in Tesla shares on Monday. TESLA BOARD IN SPOTLIGHT Musk's latest move also raises questions around Tesla board's course of action. Its chair, Robyn Denholm, in May denied a Wall Street Journal report that said board members were looking to replace the CEO. Investment firm Azoria Partners has delayed the listing of a Tesla exchange-traded fund soon, with CEO James Fishback calling for the board to evaluate if his political involvement is compatible with his obligations to Tesla as CEO. "We pulled the Azoria Tesla Convexity ETF because we have real concerns about Elon's ability to be a full-time CEO for Tesla with his new full-time job running 'America Party'," Fishback told Reuters on Monday. Tesla's board, which has been criticized for failing to provide oversight of its combative, headline-making CEO, faces a dilemma managing him as he oversees five other companies and his personal political ambitions. "This is exactly the kind of thing a board of directors would curtail - removing the CEO if he refused to curtail these kinds of activities," said Ann Lipton, a professor at the University of Colorado Law School and an expert in business law. The company's shares and its future are seen as inextricably tied to Musk, the world's richest man whose wealth is constituted significantly of Tesla stock. He is Tesla's single largest shareholder, according to LSEG data. His stake should ideally not impact the board's ability to look for potential replacements as it can choose to remove and appoint CEOs without putting in a shareholder vote, said Xu Jiang, a professor of business administration at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. But such a move could be highly unlikely considering the board has often defended Musk. "The Tesla board has been fairly supine; they have not, at least not in any demonstrable way, taken any action to force Musk to limit his outside ventures, and it's difficult to imagine they would begin now," Lipton said.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
US trade threat: Donald Trump warns Brics nations of 10% tariff hike; bloc slams US trade policies
US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose an additional 10% import tariff on China, India, and other Brics nations after the 11-member grouping criticised his trade policies during their summit in Brazil. 'Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of Brics, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,' Trump said in a post on social media. His remarks came after Brics leaders denounced the US tariff regime as 'indiscriminate', 'damaging', and 'illegal' in their joint statement on Sunday. The Brics bloc — which includes China, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia — accounts for nearly half the world's population and about 40% of global economic output. Once envisioned as a forum for fast-growing emerging markets, the expanded Brics now brings together both US adversaries such as Iran and Russia, and Washington's allies, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. While some US-aligned members sought to moderate the criticism by avoiding Trump's name in the joint declaration, it did little to placate the White House. Saudi Arabia, a key buyer of US weapons, went so far as to withdraw its foreign minister from Sunday's session and the official Brics 'family photo', AFP reported. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Tariff pressure mounts ahead of August 1 Trump's renewed tariff threat comes ahead of an August 1 deadline, by which the administration has demanded new trade deals from global partners or face sweeping unilateral duties. The Brics nations now appear likely to be targeted for steeper penalties. The latest backlash also follows a Brics statement condemning US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure — a move seen as bolstering member state Iran amid rising Middle East tensions. China defends Brics stance China rejected accusations that the Brics platform was hostile to the United States. 'China has repeatedly stated its position that trade and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism offers no way forward,' said foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in a briefing on Monday. 'Brics is not targeted at any country,' Mao added, calling the bloc an 'important platform for cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries.' The summit's momentum appeared weakened by the absence of key leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has never missed a Brics summit in 12 years, skipped this year's event. Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted by the International Criminal Court over the Ukraine war, joined via video link. Despite the diplomatic strain, Putin told Brics counterparts the group has become a 'key player in global governance', underlining its growing geopolitical weight. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Economic Times
Bitmine goes parabolic: 1,000% surge tied to massive Ethereum move and Tom Lee's entry
BitMine Immersion stock explodes 1,000% after $250M Ethereum move and Tom Lee's appointment, turning the small miner into a top crypto headline. Investors call it the MicroStrategy of Ethereum. BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc. (BMNR) shocked Wall Street with a 1,000% surge in a single day. The cryptocurrency mining company, previously trading under the radar, suddenly caught massive investor attention after two major announcements: a $250 million Ethereum purchase plan and the appointment of Tom Lee—a well-known crypto bull—as its Chairman. The sudden rise of BitMine's stock has quickly made it one of the hottest trending tickers on platforms like Yahoo Finance and Finviz. It's not just another meme stock rally—there's a big strategic pivot behind the price explosion. On June 30, BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) revealed that it had secured commitments to raise $250 million through a private placement. The funds, according to company filings, would be used to buy Ethereum (ETH) as part of a bold new strategy to hold ETH as a primary treasury reserve asset. This plan instantly drew comparisons to MicroStrategy's well-known Bitcoin strategy, where the company famously bet billions on BTC. Now, BitMine seems to be positioning itself as the MicroStrategy of Ethereum. The stock, which had been trading quietly below $5, exploded to nearly $48 intraday, according to Yahoo Finance. That's a 1,000%+ intraday gain. Over the course of just a week, the shares are up more than 2,450%, putting BMNR at the center of crypto market speculation. The company's open price on July 3 was just $57.28, and by midday on July 7, the stock had reached $135, with over 1.6 million shares traded—a massive jump compared to its usual daily volume. BitMine's move to convert a huge amount of capital into Ethereum signals a sharp pivot from being just a crypto miner to becoming an ETH-focused holding company. The decision comes at a time when Ethereum is gaining renewed attention thanks to staking rewards, layer-2 development, and increased institutional interest. By aligning itself with ETH, BitMine isn't just betting on crypto—it's betting on the infrastructure of Web3. This Ethereum reserve strategy, inspired by how some companies treat Bitcoin, is rare. While Bitcoin has seen adoption as a treasury asset by firms like MicroStrategy and Tesla, Ethereum has not received the same corporate embrace—until now. If BitMine follows through and accumulates $250 million worth of ETH, it could become one of the largest corporate Ethereum holders globally, according to reports from FX Leaders. Another major catalyst behind the rally is the addition of Tom Lee as the new Chairman of the Board. Lee is well-known in crypto and financial circles for his bullish stance on Bitcoin and Ethereum. He co-founded Fundstrat Global Advisors and has long advocated for digital assets as part of modern investment portfolios. His appointment added serious credibility to BitMine's strategic shift. Investors now believe the company has the leadership needed to navigate the highly volatile crypto space. According to Finviz, Lee's entry could attract more institutional investors and potentially even venture capital, further fueling the momentum. The heart of BitMine's rally is its decision to raise $250 million through a private placement to buy Ethereum (ETH). The company stated it will begin treating Ethereum as its primary treasury reserve asset, much like MicroStrategy did with Bitcoin. This shift puts BMNR at the center of Ethereum-focused investment plays, a move that has excited crypto bulls. Ethereum's ongoing growth in staking yields, stablecoin utility, and DeFi adoption makes it an appealing treasury choice for many investors. According to BitMine aims to capitalize on Ethereum's long-term upside and become a publicly traded proxy for ETH exposure. This strategy mirrors how MicroStrategy positioned itself as a leveraged Bitcoin vehicle. On top of its Ethereum pivot, Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat Global Advisors and a well-known crypto advocate, joined BitMine's board as Chairman. Lee's bullish stance on digital assets has made him a key voice in the space, and his appointment was viewed as a massive credibility boost. As reported by Lee's endorsement gave legitimacy to BitMine's new direction, reassuring investors and bringing new attention to the stock. Many believe Lee's influence will help attract institutional interest and long-term capital—something crucial for a company attempting such a bold transition. The numbers speak volumes. BitMine's stock was trading at just $3.92 within the last 12 months. On July 3, it hit an intraday high of $161.00, before pulling back to close at $135.00. The intraday range was between $100.76 and $133.25, showing how volatile the trading has become. Open: $57.28 Close: $135.00 Volume: 1.6 million shares 1-week change: +2,450% 1-day gain (July 3): +133.06% This type of movement is rare, especially for a company with a market cap in the micro-cap category and just 7 employees on record. Still, speculative momentum and strategic shifts have made BMNR one of the most talked-about tickers on platforms like Finviz and the rally is eye-catching, there are real risks involved. BitMine is still a micro-cap company, with just 7 employees and relatively limited operational history. The company has also been operating at a loss, with reported net margins of –77%, which raises questions about although a bold ETH strategy sounds good on paper, Ethereum is still a highly volatile asset. A market downturn could wipe out large chunks of BitMine's new treasury in such parabolic moves often attract short-term traders and speculators, which could lead to increased volatility and sharp pullbacks. Still, with the crypto market heating up again, many retail and institutional players are hunting for the next big crypto-linked stock. BitMine might have just tapped into that demand by making Ethereum its flagship asset. Despite the excitement, BitMine faces serious financial and operational risks: Financial losses: BitMine's last reported net margin was –77%, highlighting deep unprofitability. High dilution risk: Raising $250 million through private placement could dilute existing shareholders significantly. Liquidity concerns: As a micro-cap stock, BMNR is highly sensitive to market swings, and liquidity can vanish quickly. Execution risk: Converting into a treasury-focused ETH entity requires expertise, and any missteps could shake investor confidence. As noted by BitMine's surge may also reflect short-term speculative mania. Stocks that move over 1,000% in a week often experience sharp corrections. BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) is now one of the most volatile and discussed crypto-adjacent stocks on the market. Its pivot to Ethereum as a treasury asset is bold and unique. Add Tom Lee's involvement, and it's easy to see why investors are paying attention. Still, potential investors should proceed with caution. The company's fundamentals remain weak, and the rally has outpaced any confirmed revenue growth or stability. For those bullish on Ethereum's long-term rise, BMNR might offer a speculative route—but only with an appetite for extreme volatility and high risk. Q1: What caused BitMine Immersion Technologies stock to surge? The stock soared after announcing a $250M Ethereum treasury plan and adding Tom Lee as Chairman. Q2: Is BitMine stock a good Ethereum investment? It's a high-risk way to gain ETH exposure through public markets but carries major volatility.
