Laser-Wielding AI Robots: The Future of Eco-Friendly Farming Takes Root in Seattle
As a technology reporter covering the latest breakthroughs in agricultural innovation, I’m excited to share groundbreaking news from the Pacific Northwest’s bustling tech scene.
Carbon Robotics, a Seattle-based startup, has just secured a massive $70 million in Series D funding, marking a major milestone in the evolution of sustainable farming. San Francisco’s BOND firm led the investment round, with tech giant Nvidia’s venture capital arm joining the initiative.
Founded in 2018, Carbon Robotics has now raised an impressive total of $157 million. The company’s star product, the “LaserWeeder,” is transforming how farmers tackle one of their biggest challenges—weed control. This 20-foot machine attaches to tractors and uses smart technology to spot and zap weeds with precision lasers, all while keeping the soil healthy.
Paul Mikesell, the company’s founder and CEO, brings deep tech expertise to the agricultural field. “Our machine’s brain utilizes advanced AI to make instantaneous decisions,” he clarifies. The system processes an astounding 4.7 million high-quality images every hour, powered by 24 Nvidia processing units.
What makes this technology truly revolutionary is its ability to solve multiple farming challenges at once. The LaserWeeder helps farmers:
- Eliminate tough weeds that resist traditional weed killers.
- Reduce reliance on harmful chemicals
- Free up farm workers for more skilled tasks.
- Protect soil health
The company’s success stands out in a challenging market. While many agricultural technology startups have struggled with a 60% drop in venture funding since 2021, Carbon Robotics has doubled its revenue in just 12 months.
Mood Rowghani, general partner at BOND and new board member, highlights why investors are excited: “Carbon Robotics isn’t just dreaming up solutions; they’re delivering real tools that farmers actually need and use.”
What sets Carbon Robotics apart is their hands-on approach. Mikesell and his team spent months living in trailers on farms, working directly with the farmers to perfect their technology. “You can’t build farming tools from an office,” Mikesell notes. “You need to be in the fields, learning what really works.”
The company’s growth plans are ambitious. With 160 employees and a new 24,000 square-foot factory opening in Richland, Washington, Carbon Robotics is expanding beyond its current markets in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, with sights set on Asia.
While the company keeps the LaserWeeder’s price under wraps, farmers reportedly recover their investment within a year through savings. The package includes a software platform that tracks weed and crop data, with ongoing support and updates available for an annual fee.
As Erik Benson from Voyager Capital puts it, this company represents “the good side of tech innovation,” bringing practical solutions to real-world farming challenges. With this fresh funding and proven technology, Carbon Robotics is leading the charge toward a more sustainable and efficient future for agriculture.