Carbon Robotics, a Seattle-based smart farming startup that develops robots to improve crop yield, has unveiled the 2022 version of LaserWeeder, a robot that uses lasers and AI to autonomously detect and destroy weeds for specialty row crops.

The new version uses Carbon Robotics’ proprietary AI, in addition to new features, to instantly detect and destroy weeds. It features an upgraded build and 30 industrial CO2 lasers, a 3x increase from its previous version. It is fitted to tractors via a three-point hitch in contrast to its previous self-driving version. The new LaserWeeder reportedly reduces weed management costs by 80% and has a break-even period of 2–3 years.

Additionally, the LaserWeeder can be adjusted to different crop row widths, ranging from 60 to 84 inches, via a touchscreen. The LaserWeeder is 20 feet wide (around three crop rows) and has an overall weeding capacity of two acres per hour. 

Carbon Robotics reported that the 2022 LaserWeeder has already been sold out to customers including Grimmway Farms, Carzalia Valley Produce, and Taylor Farms. The company is currently accepting orders for 2023.