In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, U.S.-based ag-tech company Aigen has introduced the Element gen2, a second-generation, fully autonomous weeding robot powered entirely by solar energy. This launch is accompanied by a strategic partnership with Bowles Farming Company, a prominent family-run operation in California’s Central Valley. The collaboration marks Aigen’s expansion into new crop types, with robotic crews now actively working in Bowles’ cotton fields during the 2025 season.
The Element gen2 is an evolution of Aigen’s initial design, incorporating over 10,000 hours of field use data. The new model features an upgraded frame that is both wider and taller, enabling it to operate in cotton, soy, and sugar beet fields. The robot employs onboard AI and stereo depth sensors to identify and eliminate weeds using precise mechanical strikes, entirely without herbicides.
Aigen reports several key improvements in the Element gen2:
– 50% more solar power capacity, ensuring the robot can operate throughout the growing season without needing to return to a base or refueling station.
– Four times faster onboard AI computing, allowing for quicker decision-making and more efficient weed detection.
– Improved stereo depth vision, which enhances the robot’s ability to target weeds accurately.
– Full-season autonomous field operation, thanks to RTK GPS path data from the planter, enabling consistent daily weed control.
Each Element gen2 robot can cover up to 20 acres (8 hectares) autonomously. In 2025, 50 units are operational, with 30 of them running across three farms. This deployment demonstrates the robot’s practical application and economic viability in real-world farming conditions.
Kenny Lee, CEO of Aigen, expressed his confidence in the new model, stating, “With Element gen2, we’ve applied everything we’ve learned about what farmers actually need in a practical weeding solution. Working with Bowles Farming validates that our system works in real-world conditions with economically viable performance.”
The partnership with Bowles Farming Company is a testament to the potential of Aigen’s technology. Bowles Farming, known for its innovative approach to agriculture, is now utilizing Aigen’s robotic weeding crews in its cotton fields. This collaboration offers an alternative to chemical herbicides, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The Element gen2 is available for purchase at $50,000 (€47,000) per unit, with an additional $20,000 (€18,500) fee per robot fleet for system coordination and software services. Aigen plans to scale further in 2026, focusing on large-scale growers seeking chemical-free weeding alternatives. This expansion is poised to revolutionize the agriculture industry, providing a sustainable solution to weed management that reduces reliance on herbicides and promotes eco-friendly farming practices.