Carbon Robotics, a Seattle-based robotics company, has raised $30 million in funding to expand its production and sales of AI-powered weed-destroying machines. The funding round was led by new investor Sozo Ventures and included existing investors Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Liquid2 and Voyager Capital.
Carbon Robotics’ robots use artificial intelligence to detect and destroy weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and manual labor. The machines can be used in a variety of environments, including farms, vineyards, and orchards. They are designed to be more efficient and precise than traditional weed control methods, which often require the use of harmful chemicals or extensive manual labor.
The company’s flagship product, the Autonomous Weeder, is a self-driving robot equipped with a series of cameras and sensors that can detect and remove weeds from crops. The robot is designed to operate in a range of weather conditions and terrains and can be programmed to identify and eliminate specific types of weeds. According to Carbon Robotics, the Autonomous Weeder can cover up to 40 acres per day, making it significantly more efficient than traditional weed control methods.
Tech Leader in the Field
The new funding will enable Carbon Robotics to scale up production of its weed-destroying robots and
expand its sales and marketing efforts. The company plans to use the funds to hire additional staff and build a larger manufacturing facility in Seattle. It also plans to expand its product line to include robots designed for other agricultural tasks, such as harvesting and pruning.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of such a strong group of investors as we continue to grow and innovate in the agriculture industry,” said Paul Mikesell, CEO of Carbon Robotics. “Our robots are designed to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while improving efficiency and productivity for farmers. With this new funding, we’ll be able to bring our technology to more customers and make a bigger impact.”
A Growth Industry
The use of AI-powered robots in agriculture has been growing in recent years as farmers seek to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency. In addition to weed control, robots are being used for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring crop health. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global market for agricultural robots is expected to grow from $4.6 billion in 2020 to $20.6 billion by 2025.
Carbon Robotics’ new funding round comes on the heels of a successful year for the company. In 2022, it raised $27 million in a Series B funding round and expanded its operations to include a new manufacturing facility in Seattle. The company also launched a new version of its Autonomous Weeder robot, which includes improved sensors and a longer battery life.
Carbon Robotics’ latest funding will enable the company to continue its mission of developing innovative, sustainable solutions for agriculture. With the help of AI-powered robots, farmers may be able to reduce their reliance on harmful chemicals and manual labor, while increasing productivity and efficiency.
