Editor-Curated Robotics Industry Briefing - RobotToday

Carbon Robotics Enhances Laser Weeding with iMerit for Instant AI Customization

Carbon Robotics has introduced a large plant model that allows farmers to customize their laser weeder for specific crops and weeds in minutes. This innovation replaces traditional crop-specific AI models, enabling instant adjustments without retraining. Farmers can use an iPad app to tag plants, allowing the weeder to adapt to various crops across different regions. The significance of this development lies in its ability to streamline the weeding process, enhancing efficiency and reducing the time needed for farmers to adapt to new crops or weeds. By leveraging a foundation model trained on 150 million labeled plants, Carbon Robotics empowers farmers to optimize their weeding strategies instantly, improving soil health by returning nutrients from removed weeds. Looking ahead, the partnership with iMerit has proven crucial for the data annotation process, enabling Carbon Robotics to scale its model training effectively. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

RoboticsBusinessReview.com By Mike Oitzman Aug 27, 2026 Agriculture Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) News Self-Driving Vehicles Sensors / Sensing Systems

The art(s) of laser weeding demystified: laser expert Matthias Lautenschläger explains

Farmers, growers, and contractors worldwide are increasingly turning their attention to laser weeding, a cutting-edge agricultural technique gaining traction in the industry. This innovative method utilizes high-intensity lasers to target and eliminate weeds without harming crops, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional herbicides. As the agricultural sector grapples with rising temperatures and the challenges posed by climate change, the urgency for effective and environmentally friendly solutions has never been greater. Laser weeding not only reduces the reliance on chemical treatments but also minimizes soil disturbance, promoting healthier ecosystems. The growing interest in this technology is evident as more agricultural professionals seek training and information on its implementation. Demonstrations and workshops are being organized globally, showcasing the efficiency and precision of laser weeding systems. As farmers look for ways to enhance productivity while adhering to sustainable practices, laser weeding stands out as a promising solution that addresses both economic and environmental concerns. With the agricultural landscape evolving rapidly, this method could redefine weed management strategies in the years to come.