Seattle-based ag-tech startup Carbon Robotics has recently received an investment from NVentures, the venture capital arm of NVIDIA, in order to further develop their AI-powered farming solutions. While the specific amount of funding was not disclosed, Carbon Robotics has now raised a total of $85 million. The company is known for its creation of a revolutionary device called the LaserWeeder, which is equipped with artificial intelligence to accurately detect and identify plants in fields, targeting and eliminating weeds using lasers. This innovative technology relies on 24 NVIDIA graphics processing units, allowing it to process an impressive 4.7 million high-resolution images per hour.
The LaserWeeder developed by Carbon Robotics is capable of eradicating an astounding 5,000 weeds per minute, presenting a significant advancement in the agriculture industry. This device has the potential to reduce weed control costs for farmers by up to 80%, while simultaneously increasing crop yield and quality. By eliminating the need for traditional methods of chemical herbicides, hand labor, and soil cultivation, the LaserWeeder offers a more sustainable and efficient solution for weed eradication. Carbon Robotics founder and CEO, Paul Mikesell, expressed his excitement about the investment, stating that through the power of AI, the company aims to help farmers enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability in their operations.
Paul Mikesell, the founder of Carbon Robotics, established the startup in 2018 after previously co-founding Isilon Systems and successfully selling the company for $2.25 billion in 2010. He then gained experience working at prominent companies such as Uber and Facebook before launching Carbon Robotics. Mikesell’s background in technology and entrepreneurship has undoubtedly contributed to the success of Carbon Robotics and their groundbreaking developments in the field of agricultural robotics. The company’s focus on utilizing AI to address the challenges faced by farmers reflects a growing trend in the Pacific Northwest, where several other startups including Aigen, FarmHQ, Pollen Systems, and TerraClear are also leveraging technology for agricultural innovation.
The partnership between Carbon Robotics and NVentures signifies a step forward in the integration of advanced technologies in traditional industries, particularly agriculture. By harnessing the capabilities of AI and machine learning, Carbon Robotics aims to revolutionize farming practices and overcome obstacles such as weed control. The LaserWeeder developed by the company showcases the potential for technology to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in agriculture, offering a viable alternative to conventional herbicides and labor-intensive methods. With the support of NVentures and NVIDIA, Carbon Robotics is poised to continue driving innovation in the ag-tech sector and shaping the future of farming.
The focus on sustainable farming practices and reducing the reliance on chemical inputs has become increasingly important in the agriculture industry, driven by consumer demand for healthier and environmentally-friendly products. Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder is a prime example of how technology can be leveraged to address these concerns, enabling farmers to effectively manage weeds without the use of harmful chemicals. By providing a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional weed control methods, the LaserWeeder has the potential to revolutionize farming practices and promote sustainable agriculture.
As technology continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture, startups like Carbon Robotics are leading the way in developing innovative solutions to improve productivity and sustainability in farming. The investment from NVentures underscores the potential for AI-powered technologies to drive significant advancements in the ag-tech sector, offering farmers access to cutting-edge tools to optimize their operations. With the continued support of investors and industry partners, Carbon Robotics is well-positioned to further develop its AI-powered solutions and continue making a positive impact on the agriculture industry.
