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LaserWeeder can kill weeds before they grow big enough to compete with crops for precious resources. | Source: Carbon Robotics
Carbon Autonomous Robotic Systems Inc. today announced that it raised $70 million in Series D funding. This latest round brings total funding for the developer of the LaserWeeder system for artificial intelligence-powered farming to $157 million since it was founded in 2018.
“This funding represents a pivotal milestone, not just for our company, but [also] for farmers and consumers worldwide,” stated Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. “We’re leading a transformative shift, and this investment accelerates our ability to pioneer AI and robotics that will reshape farming for generations to come.”
Carbon Robotics said it plans to use its latest funding to scale its LaserWeeder business, introduce new software and hardware, and expand its manufacturing capabilities in Eastern Washington. It will also support the company‘s growth in new markets and continue its geographic expansion into Eastern and Southern Europe, as well as the Asia-Pacific region.
LaserWeeder eliminates 10B weeds
Carbon Robotics claimed that growers in North America, Europe, and Australia have eliminated weeds across 100 crop types without the use of chemical herbicides, hand labor, or soil disruption. The company said its system can increase predictability for a variety of crops, including lettuce leafy greens, onions, carrots, broccoli, and herbs.
In July, the company announced that its LaserWeeder fleet has eliminated more than 10 billion weeds worldwide since 2022. The award-winning system combines computer vision, deep-learning technology, robotics, and lasers to identify and eliminate weeds with millimeter accuracy.
LaserWeeder can cut weed-control costs by 80% and increase crop yield and quality, said Carbon Robotics.
In addition to the LaserWeeder, the company offers accessories including the Carbon Ops Center, a platform for AI-powered farm operations. The center provides growers with actionable visualized data to monitor and optimize their operations.
Carbon Robotics also offers a companion app, which it said empowers farm managers and operators with real-time remote insights into their LaserWeeders’ status, location, and performance.
Carbon Robotics raises two rounds this year
This is Carbon Robotics’ second funding round this year. In May, it closed a round from NVentures, NVIDIA‘s venture-capital arm, but the company did not disclose financial details of the deal.
New investor BOND led Carbon Robotics’ Series D. The round also included participation from existing investors NVentures, Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Revolution, Sozo Ventures, and Voyager Capital.
Paul Mikesell, CEO of Carbon Robotics, with the LaserWeeder system. Source: Business Wire
As part of the financing, Mood Rowghani, a general partner at BOND, will join the Carbon Robotics board of directors.
“Carbon Robotics is uniquely positioned to deploy AI to transform the massive agriculture industry at a critical time,” said Rowghani. “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.”
Mikesell added: “I’m excited to have the strong backing of BOND and existing investors like NVentures and to welcome Mood Rowghani to our board.”
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