AI-powered farming just got a major upgrade. Carbon Robotics, known for its advanced LaserWeeder, has introduced a powerful new feature — LaserThinning. This groundbreaking update allows farmers to thin overseeded vegetable crops with laser precision, ensuring optimal spacing and higher yields without chemicals or labor-intensive methods.
LaserThinning is designed for leafy greens and cole crops like lettuce and broccoli. These crops are often overseeded and later thinned to promote healthy growth. Now, farmers can handle both weeding and thinning in one seamless operation using Carbon Robotics’ AI-powered LaserWeeder.
Precision Thinning Without Chemicals or Manual Labor
What sets this innovation apart is its ability to thin crops using only lasers — no chemicals, no manual thinning crews. Weather conditions like wind or moisture don’t impact it. Plus, farmers can operate it day or night, giving them more flexibility during busy seasons.
LaserThinning arrives as a software update, meaning all existing LaserWeeder machines can now handle both weeding and thinning on one versatile platform.
Enhanced Software Features Boost Performance
Alongside LaserThinning, Carbon Robotics unveiled several new software updates designed to maximize efficiency and speed for growers. Key upgrades include:
- LaserThinning Mode: Operators can now switch between weeding, thinning, or a combined mode using an intuitive iPad interface.
- Prioritized Seedline Weeding: The system uses dynamic or static banding to adjust for plant line drift, ensuring higher weeding accuracy and efficiency.
- Speed Optimization: New algorithms recommend the best tractor speed based on weed pressure, desired kill rates, and crop type.
- 40+ Crop Models: With over 40 AI-driven crop models, farmers can add new ones in just 24-48 hours for quick adaptability.
These updates further solidify the LaserWeeder’s position as a must-have tool for modern farms.
Massive Cost Savings and Quick ROI for Farmers
Growers using the AI-powered LaserWeeder are seeing huge savings. Reports show an impressive 80% reduction in annual weed control costs. For many, the investment pays off within just one to three years.
“LaserThinning is a game changer. It outperforms traditional methods by a wide margin,” shared Matt McGuire, general manager at JV Farms. “This technology delivers precision, speed, and reliability, transforming how we manage crops.”
Juan Calderon, director of farming operations at Duncan Family Farms, echoed similar sentiments. “The LaserWeeder dramatically cuts costs and brings consistency to our weed management. It frees up our team to focus on other critical farming tasks.”
Driving the Future of AI-Powered Agriculture
Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics, emphasized the broader impact of their technology. “Farming faces huge challenges, and weeding is at the top of that list. With our LaserWeeder, we give growers a tool that not only handles weeds but also tackles thinning without harming the soil or crops. It’s all about improving yields and protecting soil health.”
Carbon Robotics is showcasing this breakthrough at several upcoming events, including the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, from February 14-16. Visitors can see live demonstrations at booth F26. The company will also appear at the Southwest Ag Summit in Yuma, Arizona, and the Colorado and Ontario Fruit and Vegetable conferences.
Carbon Robotics leads the charge in AI-powered farming tools. The company’s innovative laserweeding system uses deep learning, computer vision, and robotics to identify and eliminate weeds with unmatched precision. Since launching the first commercial laserweeding robot in 2022, Carbon Robotics has helped farmers slash costs and boost crop yields.
Their LaserWeeder, designed as a pull-behind tool for tractors, provides a chemical-free, labor-saving alternative to traditional weeding. Now, with the LaserThinning update, the platform delivers even more value by combining two critical tasks — weeding and thinning — in a single pass.
