LaserWeeder is one of those inventions that, upon first hearing about it, can force a double-take, maybe even a triple-take. LaserWeeder is an agricultural implement, towed by a tractor, that uses Artificial Intelligence deep learning models and computer vision to identify – and differentiate – weeds and crops in real time, and then kills the weeds with high-powered lasers, leaving desired plants untouched. LaserWeeders can kill up to 300,000 weeds per hour, according to the manufacturer, Carbon Robotics (CR), based in Seattle. Operations are controlled by an app. 

They are expensive – about $1.1 million and up. However, pricing can apparently vary somewhat. When asked about costs, the company said that “pricing depends on customer needs.” CR estimates a 1-3 year payback. According to the farmers using this new equipment that expense is offset, rather quickly, by increased crop yields, decreased labor and avoided costs of chemical herbicides and application. 

LaserWeeders were first introduced in the United States in early 2022. The first unit in the Midwest was delivered in 2023 to a farm in Illinois.

Paul Mikesell is Carbon Robotics CEO and founder. In reply to a series of questions Mikesell said there are currently over 100 LaserWeeders operating in North America, Europe and Australia.  All of the design, software, AI, and deep learning is done at CR’s headquarters in Washington State. Assembly has been at a plant in Detroit but starting in 2025 manufacturing will move to a new plant in Eastern Washington. LaserWeeders can operate day or night and can be used on 100+ crops, according to CR’s spec sheet.

Mikesell was asked whether Midwest farms, weather and soil conditions present any unusual challenges for the LaserWeeder. He said the unit will operate across a range of variables. In fact, he said that CR has developed a “Track LaserWeeder, a separate model, specifically to operate in muck soils and wetter conditions. It has a track-based design to provide traction and stability in damp or muddy soils, ensuring consistent performance even in less-than-ideal field conditions. It’s suited for all crops and all soil types.”

Mikesell said the unit is most effective when weeds are emerging, generally smaller than a shot glass. He said that while the lasers can kill large weeds, that requires “considerably more energy and shoot time which slows down the machine and reduces the number of acres it can cover per hour.”

Mikesell said the operating side of the machine is designed to be intuitive, and the unit is controlled through an app on an iPad. He said CR will work closely with farmers regarding education and support “to ensure seamless integration into their farming practices.”

Bruce Swindler is co-owner of Skone & Connors (S&C) an onion and potato farming operation that involves growing, packing, shipping and marketing; about 800 acres are used for onions. S&C uses a LaserWeeder. In fact, it’s used 24 hours a day. 

“It’s been a game changer,” Swindler said. This is the third season it’s been used. 

At first, Swindler explained, there was a bit of a learning curve for his crews. But he complimented and emphasized Carbon Robotic’s focused attention on programming the equipment so that it worked best to meet S&C’s demands. One initial concern, for example, was getting the performance right for larger weeds. He said the CR team worked in the fields, modifying the hardware and software, until all parameters were met, an outcome that additionally speeded up operations and performance.

“For us,” Swindler explained, “we needed to establish an initial spectrum of weeds and, of course, non-weeds.” CR’s modifications increased the power of the laser strikes. When walking behind the unit, Swindler said, you see and smell puffs of smoke from the burned weeds, turned into black dots amidst the crop rows. The LaserWeeder is used until the onions are tall enough to hit the towing tractor.

As noted, S&C runs the LaserWeeder 24 hours per day in order to maximize its value. Swindler estimates payback in 3-5 years. Importantly, he said this was “a good weed year. The first time we didn’t have to apply any harsh chemicals,” a change, he noted, that also helps the onion plants.

So far, S&C and Blue Sky just use the equipment on onions, not potato plants, which, Swindler said, are more subject to leaf damage from the machine’s passing. Swindler noted, though, that he knows of the equipment being used for carrots, peppers and corn. He generally agreed with CR’s claim that it can be used for 100+ crops.

His advice for a new purchaser: be patient and work with the CR team to establish operations that work best at your farm.