Latest news with #CarbonRobotics
Business Insider
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Agricultural weed control is a delicate process. AI tools could transform how farmers tackle it.
Weeds remain one of the most persistent problems in agriculture. But the biggest issue facing modern farmers isn't getting rid of weeds; mechanical tools and herbicides can do that. Instead, the difficulty lies in identifying and killing weeds without harming crops. Paul Mikesell is the founder of Carbon Robotics, a company that makes AI-powered robots for the agriculture sector, and the former director of infrastructure engineering at Uber. He's spent the past six years developing AI systems that try to solve the big weed problem. His company's solution is the LaserWeeder G2, a machine that automatically detects weeds and zaps them with a laser array. Mikesell told Business Insider that a neural network can be important "to not just find where the weeds are, but to find the perfect place to kill the weed." A neural network is a computational model inspired by how biological brains learn to process information, and is key to how modern AI systems function. Across the agricultural industry, AI tools are beginning to make a difference for farmers. That's good news for an industry struggling against foes like the climate crisis and shifts in trade. From complex robots to chatbots, farmers are testing out a range of tools to hone their processes and achieve goals once out of reach. Machine learning takes the field Mikesell's experience building autonomous vehicle infrastructure at Uber helped shape Carbon Robotics' approach to agricultural AI, applying that same technology to the farming tools he's developing now. The computer vision systems used in autonomous vehicles, including cars, tractors, and other agricultural equipment, often rely on neural networks known as convolutional neural networks. CNNs are a form of neural network that can be trained to detect patterns in images. Carbon Robotics uploads images of weeds to its own database, where human labelers manually identify weeds and crops. These image-label pairs are then used to train a weed-finding CNN that can detect weeds using the LaserWeeder's onboard cameras and computer hardware in the machine itself, meaning no internet connection is required. John Deere, the world's largest agricultural equipment company, also uses CNNs for multiple applications, including its autonomous tractors and See & Spray weed-detection systems. At CES 2025, the company showed its new second-generation "autonomy kit," which can partially or fully automate common tasks, including tillage and weed removal. Sarah Schinckel, the company's director of emerging technologies, said AI has already improved its agricultural equipment. In 2024, she said, John Deere's See & Spray system was used to spray over 1 million acres of farmland. Because the machine only sprays plants identified as weeds, the system was able to weed this acreage using 8 million gallons less herbicide than would typically be needed. "If you think about that savings, as well as just overall productivity and sustainability improvements for them, that's just a win for them all around," Schinckel said. The technology also gives farmers more staffing flexibility. Semi-autonomous harvesting equipment, for example, gives the human operator AI assistance that can adjust the equipment more quickly than a typical operator can react. "You can put somebody who maybe isn't an expert combine operator in a cab, and help them still achieve high performance," said Schinckel. Farmers fire up ChatGPT While big agricultural companies are building tools with complex CNNs and other types of machine learning, some farmers are making use of more accessible AI tools. Phillip Guthrie, a partner at the agriculture consulting firm Nine Creeks Consulting, often gives presentations on new technology in agriculture, including generative AI. He's already seeing farmers pick up ChatGPT for planning and advice. Guthrie recalled a conversation with a farmer who was having trouble with a data analytics platform he used to monitor and track weather at his farm. The analytics had never worked correctly for their operation, "so he just took the raw weather data, threw it into ChatGPT, and started doing analytics." The AI was able to handle the analytics tasks that prior software had failed to address. Guthrie expects more farmers to start using generative AI tools in similarly specific and creative ways, perhaps bypassing the companies that make specialized agri-tech software tools. Two visions for generative AI in agriculture AI techniques like CNNs, which are available today in autonomous agriculture equipment, represent a major leap in technology. Systems like the LaserWeeder G2 and John Deere See & Spray were impossible to imagine a decade ago. However, it's unclear how these task-specific examples of agricultural AI will fit with newer generative AI tools. Mikesell speculated that one solution could lie in integration. Carbon Robotics, like John Deere, doesn't use generative AI for its equipment and has no announced plans to do so. Still, he said that generative AI could become a "planning and human interface" used to operate equipment like the company's automated laser weeders. "I can say to the generative AI system that I want to clear this 2,000 acres," Mikesell said. "Then, it might come with a solution and say, why don't you deploy these laser weeders in this pattern?" Guthrie, meanwhile, thinks that generative AI could drive a "democratization" of the industry that larger companies may well miss out on. While the industry will always need heavy equipment, he said, farmers often express frustrations with the expensive, yet extremely specific, software available to the industry. "The last thing they need is another tool that does one thing. What they want is a tool that does everything," he said. Guthrie said with ever-improving generative AI, "You'll have farmers who could build their own tools, conduct their own analytics, do their own automations, and focus on what they want for themselves."
CNBC
10-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
16. Carbon Robotics
Founder: Paul Mikesell (CEO)Launched: 2018Headquarters: Seattle, WashingtonFunding: $157 millionValuation: N/AKey Technologies: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, deep neural networks/deep learning, explainable AI, machine learning, roboticsIndustry: AgriculturePrevious appearances on Disruptor 50 list: 1 (No. 24 in 2024) Seattle-based Carbon Robotics offers an AI-powered laser weeder that attaches to farmers' tractors and looks like a space-age combine, except that it weeds instead of harvests. Supplied with a database of 40 million images, the AI-powered agtech system shoots lasers as it passes over rows of crops, with machine learning enabling it to recognize weeds and kill them at their base using a laser, replacing the need for both manual labor and herbicides. The company says it has destroyed more than 15 billion weeds on more than 100 crops. Carbon Robotics says its approach to weeding increases yields, quality and consistency, and helps preserve topsoil. The latter is a growing global concern, as experts estimate most of the world's topsoil has been degraded to the point that its agriculturally usable life is measured in decades. Carbon Robotics operates in a competitive market, against other agtech innovators including Deere's Blue River Technology and FarmWise. But the bigger legacy competition in the business is related to farmers' limited appetite for change. Global chemical companies including Monsanto (now part of Bayer AG), Syngenta AG and BASF dominate the agriculture market with matched combinations of herbicides and seeds that are sold through platforms controlled by the companies. Cost of agtech upgrades, and unproven technology compared to conventional farming approaches, is an issue. Laser weeder costs can run over $1 million, based on public reports, but farmers that have used the technology have endorsed it. Recently, Carbon Robotics debuted the LaserWeeder G2, a smaller, less expensive version of its technology, though still a significant investment for many farmers in a business that's made inherently risky due to weather and the volatility of global commodities markets. Carbon Robotics is growing quickly, and may have hit the market at the right time. It was founded in 2018 by serial entrepreneur Paul Mikesell, who had previously co-founded Isilon Systems, a distributed storage company, which went public in 2006 and was acquired by EMC for $2.5 billion in 2010. Last October, the company announced a $70 million Series D Round to fund a global expansion across North America, Europe and Australia. As Carbon Robotics continues to innovate, consumers' and farmers' awareness of the long-term risks of chemical solutions is growing, as is the awareness among investors tied to AI applications across the economy. The latest venture round included NVIDIA's VC arm NVentures. The company already had a strategic partnership with Nvidia. Carbon Robotics is growing its manufacturing in eastern Washington State, with a recent 70% headcount increase to about 200, and it ultimately has plans to grow its tech applications beyond farming. "There's a lot of people out there that know how to do stuff with their hands," said Mikesell in an interview with GeekWire. "The real driver is having AI systems doing things in the real world. Will Carbon Robotics always be in the ag industry? We'll probably do things well outside it," he said.
Business Wire
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Carbon Robotics Adds Lead Independent Director to Board
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carbon Robotics, a worldwide leader in agriculture AI and robotics, today announced the addition of Don Listwin as Lead Independent Director. The appointment reflects the company's evolution from an early-stage innovator to a category leader focused on scaling execution. Listwin brings more than four decades of executive and board experience. He has a strong track record in scaling technology businesses and leading transformative M&A. He held executive leadership roles at Cisco, Openwave Systems, and RapidAI, and served on multiple public company boards. Listwin's ability to identify macro technology shifts and guide companies from early disruptors to dominant market leaders makes him an ideal fit for Carbon Robotics. 'As we continue to expand our product offerings and geographic reach, Don's strategic perspective and operational discipline will further strengthen our ability to execute at scale,' said Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. 'Don has been a mentor to me for 20 years, and his insights will be a valuable addition to our team.' His appointment coincides with growing market demand, as rising input costs and ongoing labor shortages are driving farmers to technologies like Carbon Robotics' LaserWeeder™ and its newly launched AutoTractor to reduce costs and increase yields. These solutions reflect the company's mission of delivering real-world AI solutions that make farming profitable and sustainable. 'Carbon Robotics is at a compelling inflection point, expanding its proven technology to have a worldwide impact on growing healthy food and sustaining farming for generations,' said Don Listwin. 'The company's combination of applied AI, deep customer engagement, and commercial traction positions it to lead the agriculture industry into a new era.' About Carbon Robotics Carbon Robotics is revolutionizing agriculture with AI and robotics to reduce costs and increase yields. Amid labor challenges, rising input costs, and increasing concerns about herbicide use, growers worldwide are seeking smarter, more efficient ways to farm. Carbon Robotics addresses these needs by delivering advanced AI robotic laser weeders and tractor autonomy that drives efficiencies to the global community. Learn more at
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vertical Farming and Laser Crop Defenses Take Center Stage
Discover the future of food and agribusiness with cutting-edge tech like AI, robotics, and precision agriculture. Explore vertical farming, 3D printing, and AI-driven ingredient discovery. Learn how these innovations will transform supply chains and identify key players and challenges ahead. Dublin, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Hot Topics Case Study: The Future of Food and Farming" report has been added to report focuses on the technologies that will define the food and agribusiness industries of the AI, precision agriculture, 3D printing, and precision fermentation will play crucial roles in the food and farming industries of the Scope Within farming, vertical farming, laser crop defenses, and bee vectoring will play important roles. Within food, 3D printing, fermentation, and AI-powered ingredient discovery will play important roles. Reasons to Buy Anticipate how technology could impact the food and beverage supply chain. Identify which companies will drive this change, and the challenges they will face in the short-to-medium term. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary The Future of Farming The Future of Food Takeouts Company Coverage: Eden Green Carbon Robotics Bird Control Group BVT Redefine Meat Nova Meat Paleo Apeel The Better Meat Co Revo Cocuus Solar Foods Remilk Savor Eat Nuritas Arzeda For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Carbon Robotics Introduces the First and Only Tractor Autonomy Solution with Real-Time Remote Supervision and Control
Installed on existing tractors, Carbon AutoTractor provides farmers with production-ready autonomy that eliminates stoppages, operates 24/7, and increases efficiency SEATTLE, March 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carbon Robotics, the leader in AI-powered farming, today announced the launch of Carbon AutoTractor, a breakthrough tractor autonomy solution. Powered by Carbon AI, Carbon AutoTractor is installed on existing tractors and is remotely monitored by Carbon Robotics operators, who handle interventions in real time to ensure seamless operation. Carbon AutoTractor delivers reliable, uninterrupted autonomous tractor operation—helping farmers increase productivity, reduce labor dependency, and scale operations. Developed with direct feedback from farmers, Carbon AutoTractor addresses the key barriers that have prevented the widespread adoption of tractor autonomy: frequent stoppages requiring farmer intervention, complex supervision and management, and unreliable solutions not built for 24/7 production operations. "Too often, autonomy in agriculture has been overpromised and underdelivered," said Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. "We built Carbon AutoTractor to change that—by working closely with farmers every step of the way to design a solution rooted in simplicity, reliability, and the realities of modern farm operations. This is autonomy shaped by real-world experience, not just another tech experiment." Carbon AutoTractor delivers autonomy farmers can trust by combining two core components: the Carbon Autonomy Kit and the Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC). Unlike other autonomy solutions, Carbon AutoTractor is continuously monitored by trained operators who can intervene immediately when something unexpected arises—like debris, wildlife, or irrigation pipes. That means fewer stoppages, no in-field resets, and the confidence that work keeps moving, even when conditions don't go as planned. Simple to install and run, the Carbon Autonomy Kit is initially compatible with John Deere 6R and 8R Series tractors, requiring no permanent modifications and installation completed in less than 24 hours. Once installed, tractors can toggle between autonomous and manual operation as needed. The system integrates seamlessly with Carbon Robotics' LaserWeeder, automatically adjusting speed to optimize weeding performance based on weed type, size, and density—boosting coverage by up to 20% compared to manually operated systems. "Carbon Robotics proved with the LaserWeeder that they know how to build and support real farming technology, and that's why we trust them with Carbon AutoTractor," said Brandon Munn, farm manager at Columbia Basin Onion LLC. "Now, with many of our tractors and LaserWeeders running autonomously with Carbon AutoTractor, we're able to operate more hours, address labor challenges, and make night shifts safer and more reliable. This isn't just automation; it's a practical solution that's fundamentally changing how we farm." Beyond precision weeding, Carbon AutoTractor autonomously performs ground preparation tasks, including tiling, plowing, cultivating, ripping, discing, listing, mulching, and mowing—eliminating the need for an in-cab driver. The system features multiple layers of built-in safety, including RTK-accurate GPS, 360-degree cameras, radar-based safety sensors, and physical, remote, and mobile e-stops—all connected via a high-speed, low-latency satellite link for instant responsiveness and oversight. With AI-powered decision-making, seamless integration across field tasks, and live operator surveillance, Carbon AutoTractor offers farmers a reliable, scalable path to autonomy. A flexible, pay-per-hour pricing model makes this technology more accessible and cost-effective. At launch, Carbon AutoTractor is available to select farms in key U.S. regions, with plans to expand availability in the future. To learn more or sign up for updates, visit: About Carbon Robotics Carbon Robotics is revolutionizing agriculture with AI-powered tools that reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve efficiency. The company's product line includes the LaserWeeder, which uses computer vision, deep learning, robotics, and lasers to eliminate weeds with millimeter accuracy, reducing weed control costs by up to 80% and increasing crop yields. Expanding beyond weed control, Carbon Robotics now offers Carbon AutoTractor, the only reliable, production-ready tractor autonomy solution. The system eliminates farmer intervention through its Remote Operations Control Center, which provides 24/7 supervision and real-time control. Farmers across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia rely on Carbon Robotics to provide innovations that increase farm profitability and sustainability. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Rachael DowdCarbonRobotics@ 206-282-4923 ext. 115
