The future could be much healthier for both farmers and everyone who eats, thanks to farm robots that kill weeds with lasers. In this episode of TechFirst, we chat with Paul Mikesell, CEO of Carbon Robotics, to discuss groundbreaking advancements in agricultural technology.
Paul shares updates since our last conversation in 2021, including the launch of LaserWeeder G2 and Carbon's autonomous tractor technology: AutoTractor.
LaserWeeder G2 quick facts:
- Modular design: Swappable laser “modules” that adapt to different row sizes (80-inch, 40-inch, etc.)
- Laser hardware: Each module has 2 lasers; a standard 20-foot machine = 12 modules = 24 lasers
- Laser precision: Targets the plant’s meristem (≈3mm on small weeds) with pinpoint accuracy
- Weed kill speed: 20–150 milliseconds per weed (including detection + laser fire)
- Throughput: 8,000–10,000 weeds per minute (Gen 2, up from ~5,000/min on Gen 1)
- Coverage rate: 3–4 acres per hour on the 20-foot G2 model
- ROI timeline: Farmers typically achieve payback in under 3 years
- Yield impact: Up to 50% higher yields in some conventional crops due to eliminating herbicide damage
- Price: Standard 20-foot LaserWeeder G2 = $1.4M, larger models scale from there
- Global usage: Units in the U.S. (Midwest corn & soy, Idaho & Arizona veggies) and Europe (Spain, Italy tunnel farming)
We chat about how these innovations are transforming weed control and farm management with AI, computer vision, and autonomous systems, the precision and efficiency of laser weeding, practical challenges addressed by autonomous tractors, and the significant ROI and yield improvements for farmers.
This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of farming and sustainable agriculture.
00:00 Introduction to TechFirst and Carbon Robotics
01:10 The Science Behind Laser Weeding
05:46 Introducing Laser Weeder 2.0
06:39 Modular System and New Laser Technology
09:26 Manufacturing and Cost Efficiency
11:47 ROI and Benefits for Farmers
13:24 Laser Weeder Specifications
14:08 Performance and Efficiency
14:49 Introduction to AutoTractor
17:23 Challenges in Autonomous Farming
18:23 Remote Intervention and Starlink Integration
23:23 Future of Farming Technology
24:50 Health and Environmental Benefits
25:18 Conclusion and Farewell
