The Track LaserWeeder by Carbon Robotics represents a significant leap forward in agricultural weed management, offering an innovative and sustainable solution to a perennial farming challenge. This advanced robotic system leverages cutting-edge laser technology to provide precise, automated weed elimination, moving beyond the limitations of traditional chemical herbicides and labor-intensive manual weeding. It is engineered to promote healthier crops and soil, making it a vital tool for modern agricultural settings striving for efficiency and environmental responsibility.
At its core, the Track LaserWeeder integrates sophisticated AI and computer vision to revolutionize how weeds are controlled. This intelligent system is designed to accurately differentiate between valuable crops and unwanted weeds. Once a weed is identified, it deploys a concentrated laser beam to destroy the target without impacting the surrounding plants. This selective and non-invasive approach ensures crop integrity, cultivates a more productive agricultural environment, and supports sustainable farming practices.
Key Features
One of the paramount features of the Track LaserWeeder is its AI-Powered Crop & Weed Discrimination. Utilizing over 100 deep-learning crop models and an extensive dataset of more than 40 million labeled plants, its computer vision system achieves remarkable accuracy in distinguishing desired crops from invasive weeds. This intelligent identification forms the foundation for its highly selective weeding process, minimizing false positives and ensuring efficient operation.
The system's Precision Laser Elimination capability is another cornerstone. It deploys powerful 240W diode lasers that target weeds with sub-millimeter accuracy, destroying them at the meristem—the growth point—to prevent regrowth. This method ensures a weed kill rate of up to 99% without disturbing the soil structure or causing any collateral damage to nearby crops, a stark contrast to mechanical cultivation or broad-spectrum herbicides.
Emphasizing environmental stewardship, the Track LaserWeeder offers Chemical-Free Weed Management. By eliminating the need for synthetic herbicides, it significantly reduces chemical runoff, protects beneficial soil microorganisms, and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable agricultural ecosystem. This feature is particularly valuable for organic farming operations and growers aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.
Furthermore, the Track LaserWeeder boasts Minimized Soil Compaction, a critical benefit for long-term soil health. Its robust track system is engineered to exert a low ground pressure of just 6.5 psi. This design allows the machine to operate effectively across diverse and often challenging soil types, including soft soils, sand, and muck fields, without causing the compaction that can hinder root development and water infiltration.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12,500 lb (5,669.9 kg) |
| Track Dimensions | 12 in. wide x 82 in. long (30.4 x 208.2 cm) |
| Ground Pressure | 6.5 psi |
| Turning Radius | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Supported Row Spacing | 64 to 90 in. (162.5 to 228.6 cm) |
| Overall Dimensions | 240 in. wide x 117 in. long x 106 in. high (609.6 x 297.1 x 269.2 cm) |
| Laser Type | 240W diode lasers (number varies by model) |
| Cameras | High-resolution cameras with enhanced optics (e.g., 36 for G2 600) |
| GPUs | Upgraded NVIDIA graphic processing units |
| AI Models | 100+ deep-learning crop models |
| Weeds Shot per Minute | Up to 10,000 (for G2 600) |
| Accuracy | Sub-millimeter accuracy |
| Weed Kill Rate | Up to 99% |
| Performance Rate (G2 600) | 1.50–3.00 ac/hr (0.61–1.21 ha/hr) |
| Connectivity | Starlink high-speed internet |
Use Cases & Applications
The Track LaserWeeder finds extensive application in modern agriculture, particularly where precision and sustainability are paramount. One primary use case is automated weed elimination in agricultural fields, offering a highly sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides and reducing the reliance on manual labor. This translates into significant cost reductions for farmers, potentially up to 80% on weed control expenses, while simultaneously increasing crop yields and quality.
Farmers also deploy the Track LaserWeeder for precision weeding without disturbing the soil or damaging delicate crop roots. This is crucial for maintaining soil health and ensuring optimal plant growth, especially in high-value specialty crops. The system's ability to operate effectively in diverse soil types, including soft soils, sand, and muck fields, due to its reduced ground pressure from tracks, makes it versatile across various farming landscapes.
Furthermore, the LaserWeeder is highly effective for managing weeds in a broad spectrum of crops, including over 100 different types. It is particularly beneficial for specialty vegetable crops, herbs, leafy greens (such as romaine lettuce, wild rocket, baby spinach, and various types of lettuce), onions, spinach, peas, and beets. Larger G2 models, like the 1200 and 1800, extend its utility to organic corn and soybeans, showcasing its adaptability to different farm scales and crop rotations.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Achieves sub-millimeter accuracy and up to a 99% weed kill rate, ensuring highly effective weed control without crop damage. | High initial investment cost, with models like the G2 600 priced at $1.4 million USD. |
| Offers chemical-free weed control, promoting environmental sustainability, healthier soil, and reduced reliance on herbicides. | Requires specific and robust tractor requirements, including minimum horsepower, lift capacity, and PTO generator power supply. |
| Minimizes soil compaction with a low ground pressure of 6.5 psi, allowing operation in diverse and soft soil types. | Relies on Starlink high-speed internet for fast model updates and seamless image uploads, which may not be universally available or consistent. |
| Capable of 24/7 autonomous operation thanks to high-intensity LED lighting, maximizing field coverage and efficiency. | Integration of a high-tech robotic system into existing farm operations may present a learning curve for operators. |
| Drives significant cost savings (up to 80% on weed control) and increases crop yields and quality. | |
| Features advanced AI with deep-learning crop models that continuously learn and adapt to new weed species and crop types. | |
| Provides real-time data and analytics through the Carbon Ops Center and mobile app for informed decision-making. |
Benefits for Farmers
The Track LaserWeeder delivers substantial benefits for farmers, directly impacting their operational efficiency, profitability, and environmental footprint. By automating weed control, it dramatically reduces the need for manual labor, addressing a critical challenge in an era of rising labor costs and shortages. The precision laser technology eliminates weeds with exceptional accuracy, leading to healthier crops, improved yields, and enhanced product quality.
Economically, farmers can anticipate significant cost reductions, with weed control expenses potentially decreasing by up to 80%. This is achieved by virtually eliminating herbicide costs and minimizing labor inputs. Environmentally, the chemical-free approach supports sustainable farming practices, protects biodiversity, and contributes to healthier soil ecosystems, aligning with consumer demand for sustainably produced food.
Integration & Compatibility
The Track LaserWeeder is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing farm operations, albeit with specific tractor requirements. For instance, the G2 600 model requires a CAT 3 3-point hitch, a front PTO generator power supply, a minimum 145 hp tractor with at least 100 hp rated PTO Power, a variable transmission (IVT, CVX, CVT), and a minimum 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg) lift capacity. The G2 1200 model has similar but more demanding requirements, including a rear PTO generator power supply and a minimum 19,000 lbs (8,618 kg) lift capacity.
The system's connectivity is powered by Starlink high-speed internet, ensuring fast model updates and seamless image uploads, which are crucial for the continuous improvement of its AI deep-learning capabilities. It also integrates with the Carbon Ops Center for comprehensive data analytics and the Mobile Carbon Companion App, providing farmers with real-time monitoring, location tracking, and activity insights directly to their mobile devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The Track LaserWeeder utilizes advanced AI and computer vision to precisely identify weeds among target crops. Upon detection, a concentrated laser beam is accurately directed to destroy the weed at its meristem, preventing regrowth without causing any harm to the surrounding healthy plants or disturbing the soil. |
| What is the typical ROI? | Farmers can anticipate significant returns on investment through substantial reductions in weed control costs, potentially up to 80%. This is achieved by eliminating the need for chemical herbicides and significantly decreasing manual labor, leading to increased crop yields and overall operational savings. |
| What setup/installation is required? | The LaserWeeder G2 models, including the Track LaserWeeder, require specific tractor compatibility. This includes a CAT 3 3-point hitch, a front or rear PTO generator power supply, and a tractor with a minimum horsepower and lift capacity. The system is engineered for straightforward integration with compatible agricultural machinery. |
| What maintenance is needed? | The system incorporates a 100% liquid-cooled system for its lasers and GPUs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Routine maintenance typically involves periodic checks of the laser modules, cameras, and general system components, consistent with the upkeep required for other precision agriculture equipment. |
| Is training required to use this? | The Track LaserWeeder features an intuitive iPad Operator App that supports multiple languages, simplifying its operation. While the system is highly automated, basic training on the app interface, monitoring procedures, and troubleshooting techniques is recommended to enable operators to maximize efficiency and performance. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The Track LaserWeeder seamlessly integrates with the Carbon Ops Center for comprehensive data analytics and a Mobile Carbon Companion App for real-time monitoring of field operations. Its Starlink high-speed internet connectivity facilitates rapid AI model updates and efficient image uploads, ensuring the system remains current and optimized. |
| How does it handle different soil types? | Equipped with a track system that maintains a low ground pressure of 6.5 psi, the Track LaserWeeder is highly effective in diverse soil conditions. This design allows it to operate efficiently in soft soils, sand, and muck fields, while simultaneously minimizing soil compaction. |
| Can it operate at night? | Yes, the Track LaserWeeder is designed for continuous operation. It is outfitted with high-intensity LED bedtop lights, enabling it to function effectively day and night, thereby maximizing its productivity and offering flexible scheduling for weed control tasks. |
Pricing & Availability
Indicative price for the LaserWeeder G2 600 model is $1.4 million USD, which includes delivery and annual support fees. Prices for the G2 product line can vary, with larger models like the 60-foot version estimated around $1.7 million. The final cost will depend on the specific configuration, model size, and any additional implements or services required. For precise pricing and availability tailored to your farm's needs, please contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
Carbon Robotics is committed to providing comprehensive support and training to ensure farmers maximize the benefits of their Track LaserWeeder. This includes access to the Carbon Ops Center for data analytics and a mobile companion app for real-time monitoring. The intuitive iPad Operator App, available in multiple languages, simplifies operation, and ongoing support ensures the system's AI models are continuously updated via Starlink high-speed internet for optimal performance and adaptability.
