Artificial intelligence-powered farming robotics company Carbon Autonomous Robotics Systems Inc. today announced that it has raised $70 million in a late-stage funding to help scale up its business, introduce new software and hardware products and expand its manufacturing capabilities.
Founded in 2018, Carbon Robotics offers AI-powered robotics solutions for farming that allow farmers to cut costs, increase production and boost profits. The company’s main product, LaserWeeder, combines computer vision, AI deep learning, robotics and lasers to identify and eliminate weeds with millimeter accuracy.
LaserWeeder can target weeds without disturbing crops, making it a highly efficient solution for organic and conventional farmers alike. The robotic weeder is designed to operate independently in large fields and can optimize weed control through 24-hour autonomous functionality that reduces labor needs and operational costs significantly for farmers.
Beyond weed control, Carbon Robotics also offers a “LaserThinning” capability that allows farmers to optimize crop spacing by precisely thinning overseeded vegetable crops. The method improves growth and yield without the use of chemicals or manual labor and can be used alongside weeding in a single operation, making it ideal for maintaining crop health and boosting farm productivity.
The company’s technology operates autonomously and enhances productivity, reducing labor needs and input costs. Farmers also benefit from the ability to work day and night, unaffected by environmental conditions like wind or rain.
The Series D round was led by BOND, with significant participation from NVentures, the venture capital arm of Nvidia Corp. Existing investors Anthos Capital LP, Fuse Venture Partners, Ignition Partners, Sozo Ventures Inc. and Voyager Capital LP also participated in the round.
“Carbon Robotics is uniquely positioned to deploy AI to transform the massive agriculture industry at a critical time,” said BOND General Partner Mood Rowghani. “Its proven ability to execute and scale, combined with a visionary leadership team, makes it a clear standout in the space.”
Including the new funding, Carbon Robotics has raised $157 million to date.