Carbon Robotics, an AI-driven agricultural technology startup based in US, has announced the successful completion of a $70 Mn Series D financing round. The latest financing will enable Carbon Robotics to enhance its LaserWeeder operations, introduce additional software and hardware products and boost manufacturing capabilities in Eastern Washington. Furthermore, the funds will support the company’s expansion into new markets, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
The investment was led by new investor BOND, with participation from notable existing investors including NVentures, Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Revolution, Sozo Ventures, and Voyager Capital. This funding round brings the total capital raised by the company to $157 million.
The company claimed its AI-powered LaserWeeder has enabled farmers in North America, Europe, and Australia to eliminate over 10 billion weeds from more than 100 crop types without using chemical herbicides or manual labor.
“Carbon Robotics is uniquely positioned to deploy AI to transform the massive agriculture industry at a critical time. Its proven ability to execute and scale, combined with a visionary leadership team, makes it a clear standout in the space. This investment reflects our strong conviction in the central role Carbon Robotics will play in shaping the future of farming.”
Carbon Robotics has received recognition for its innovative contributions to the agricultural sector, appearing on prestigious lists such as CNBC’s Disruptor 50, Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators, and Fortune’s Change The World. These accolades highlight the company’s commitment to creating sustainable farming solutions that benefit both farmers and consumers alike.
Read more: Microsoft and Syngenta Highlight AI’s Transformative Role in Agriculture
Carbon Robotics’ AI-driven solution: LaserWeeder
Laserweeding offers an advanced solution for commercial farming, targeting weeds at their growth points to prevent them from competing with crops for essential resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. This method leads to healthier crops that can thrive without the interference of weeds.
According to the company, its LaserWeeder uses a combination of computer vision, AI, and robotics to detect and eradicate weeds with high-powered lasers. This technology allows for precise weed control without the need for hand labor, chemical herbicides, or soil disruption. With sub-millimeter accuracy, the LaserWeeder can operate continuously, day and night, and is effective on over 100 different crops, making it a versatile tool for farmers.
Key features of the LaserWeeder include:
- Economic Efficiency: With a payback period of just 1 to 3 years, the system helps farmers significantly reduce their reliance on manual labor and minimize the use of costly herbicides and fertilizers.
- Soil Health: By avoiding tillage and maintaining soil microbiology, this method supports regenerative farming practices that enhance crop yield and quality.
- Organic Farming Pathway: The absence of herbicides presents a cost-effective route for farmers seeking organic certification, addressing one of the primary challenges in organic farming.
The LaserWeeder is equipped with an operator app that allows users to control and customize their equipment, receive technical support, and monitor performance. Designed for various soil conditions, it features a drawbar design that lessens compaction and enables earlier access to fields.
Powered by Nvidia GPUs and equipped with 42 high-resolution cameras, this advanced system utilizes deep learning to continuously improve its weed-targeting capabilities, making it a compelling option for farmers looking to innovate their weed management practices.