Laser weeder kills with savings

Jan 04, 2022

Robotic weeder uses laser to kill weeds at a rate of 100,000 per hour.

It’s not quite Star Wars, but lasers in a farmer’s field zapping weeds—that’s here, right now.

The Autonomous Weeder, designed by Carbon Robotics of Seattle, Washington, uses robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and laser technology to safely and effectively drive through crop fields to identify, target and eliminate weeds.

At about 9,500 lbs (~4,309 kg), this big boy uses high-power lasers to zap weeds using thermal energy—and does so without disturbing or damaging the soil.

Travelling at a blistering 5-mph (8-kph), the weeder is capable of clearing some 100,000 unwanted weeds in an hour, working over 15-20 acres a day. It uses about 22 gallons (100 litres) of diesel fuel over a 20 hour span, so it’s fuel efficient, too, despite its size.

The automated robots allow farmers to use less herbicides and reduce labor to remove unwanted plants while improving the reliability and predictability of costs, crop yield and more.

According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) data, chemicals, fertilizers and seeds make up roughly 28 percent of a farmer’s total spending on average, with labour adding on an additional 13.8 percent.

Carbon Robotics said its laser weeder can save up to 80 percent of the expenses, while helping ease labour issues that have arisen during the current pandemic.

With over 250 herbicide-resistant plant species across 71 countries, Carbon Robotics has seen many farms shoot for the laser weeder, resulting in a complete sell-out of its 2021 and 2022 models—but it has begun accepting orders for 2023.

For company information, visit https://carbonrobotics.com/.

Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffman, Swine Technical Consultant and Elanco Animal Health tells us about the inpact or New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.