Carbon Robotics has unveiled its latest innovation, the LaserWeeder G2, a cutting-edge solution that combines artificial intelligence, computer vision, robotics, and laser technology to revolutionize precision weed control. This new product line is set to make a significant impact on farming practices worldwide by addressing key challenges faced by farmers.
The LaserWeeder G2 is designed to be faster, lighter, and more modular than its predecessor, making precision weeding accessible to a broader range of farm sizes, field configurations, crop types, and budgets. By eliminating the need for hand labor, herbicides, and mechanical weed control, the LaserWeeder G2 promises to reduce farmers’ weed control costs by up to 80%, thereby increasing crop yields and boosting farm profitability.
One of the standout features of the LaserWeeder G2 is its efficiency. The new models operate up to twice as fast as their predecessors, maximizing the number of laser-weeded acres per hour. This increased speed is complemented by a lighter design, with the 20-foot model being 25% lighter than the original LaserWeeder. This reduction in weight allows for the use of lighter and less expensive tractors, which in turn reduces soil compaction and enables earlier field entry. The modular design of the LaserWeeder G2 supports machine widths ranging from 6.6 to 60 feet, offering flexible configurations to meet diverse farm requirements and budgets.
Tanimura & Antle, a leading fresh produce company, has already embraced the LaserWeeder G2. Scott Rossi, vice president of northern farming operations at Tanimura & Antle, highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Rossi noted that integrating the LaserWeeder G2 into their operations will help reduce labor costs, optimize resources, and continue their legacy of innovation in the industry.
The LaserWeeder G2 incorporates advanced technologies to enhance performance and reliability. Its powerful 240-watt lasers reduce shoot times, enabling growers to cover more acres in less time. Upgraded NVIDIA graphic processing units (GPUs) accelerate image processing for precise and accurate weeding. High-resolution cameras with enhanced optics ensure clear and detailed visualization, while the 100% liquid-cooled system maintains consistent and dependable operation in all conditions, day or night. With Starlink high-speed internet, the LaserWeeder G2 supports fast model updates and seamless image uploads.
The LaserWeeder G2 product line offers a range of configurations to cater to different farming needs. For specialty vegetable crops and herbs, there are three models: the LaserWeeder G2 200, 400, and 600, each with varying widths and weights to suit different farm sizes and crop types. For broadacre organic corn and soybean operations, the LaserWeeder G2 1200 and 1800 models are designed to handle large-scale farming without disturbing crops or soil, significantly increasing yields.
Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics, emphasized the significance of the LaserWeeder G2. “LaserWeeder G2 is a huge leap forward. Designed with Carbon AI, the new product line benefits from years of learning in real-world farm fields and conditions,” he said. “All of the hardware components are upgraded. This was an incredible feat by our world-class engineering, product and field teams. I’m extremely proud of this new technology and how it will help farmers set a new standard in farm profitability and sustainability.”
The LaserWeeder G2 is powered by Carbon AI, the most advanced deep learning system for plant detection and identification. With a growing dataset of over 40 million plants labeled from three continents, it has already helped growers laser weed over 250,000 acres, eliminating over 15 billion weeds across 100+ different crops. The LaserWeeder fleet operates with unified software and is controlled by an intuitive iPad operator app. Farmers can access detailed performance metrics, including crop data and intelligence on weeds, through the Carbon Ops Center and the mobile Carbon Companion App, ensuring streamlined operations and actionable insights.
All LaserWeeder G2 units are designed and manufactured at Carbon Robotics’ newly opened, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in eastern Washington State, USA. This new facility underscores Carbon Robotics’ commitment to innovation and its mission to transform farming practices globally.
