Carbon Robotics

Carbon Robotics manufactures the LaserWeeder G2, an autonomous implement that combines computer vision, AI deep learning, robotics, and high-powered lasers to identify and destroy weeds with sub-millimeter precision—without disturbing the soil or crops. The company also recently launched the Carbon AutoTractor, an autonomy kit that fits on existing John Deere 6R and 8R series tractors, which integrates with the LaserWeeder or other implements to perform continuous weed control, ground prep and crop maintenance. Designed and tested in the field with farmers, both products address the acute labor and chemical reduction needs of modern specialty agriculture.

The company uses a capital expense model for its LaserWeeder hardware, which farmers purchase outright. Customers then pay an annual software and support fee that includes Carbon AI updates, crop and weed detection improvements, and real-time customer support. The AutoTractor follows a usage-based pricing model, billed hourly, and includes 24/7 remote monitoring and real-time intervention from Carbon’s Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC) in Richland, Washington.

“We’ve seen too many agtech companies fail by trying to force software subscription models onto hardware that farmers need to own. That just doesn’t work in ag,” said Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics. “Our approach is different: we build technology that solves real problems—then we partner with growers to get it into the field in a way that’s scalable, practical, and profitable from day one.”