LaserWeeder G2 Uses 24 Nvidia GPUs and Lasers to Vaporize 600,000 Weeds per Hour with Precision
A new agricultural robot from Carbon Robotics is turning weeds into instant vapor with a powerful combination of lasers and artificial intelligence. The LaserWeeder G2, powered by 24 high-powered lasers and 24 Nvidia GPUs, is designed to zap up to 600,000 weeds per hour—equivalent to 167 weeds per second or 10,000 per minute. This precision-driven system is being hailed as a breakthrough in sustainable farming, offering a high-tech alternative to chemical herbicides. The device leverages an AI-powered "Large Plant Model" developed with Nvidia’s hardware, enabling sub-millimeter accuracy in identifying weeds while preserving crops. This level of precision helps prevent unintended damage to valuable plants, a common concern with traditional weed control methods. The system is also designed to operate autonomously, retrofitting existing tractors and allowing them to work long hours without fatigue—effectively replacing a manual crew of 75 workers, according to Carbon Robotics. Nvidia’s involvement underscores the growing role of AI and edge computing in agriculture. The GPUs embedded in the LaserWeeder G2 handle real-time image processing and decision-making, allowing the robot to detect, classify, and eliminate weeds with remarkable speed and accuracy. The system is monitored remotely from a central operations center, enhancing safety and enabling oversight across multiple fields. Despite its impressive capabilities, the LaserWeeder G2 comes with notable challenges. The advanced technology—especially the combination of high-power lasers and AI processors—means the device is likely far more expensive than conventional farming equipment. Additionally, while the lasers destroy the visible parts of weeds, surviving roots can sometimes regrow, requiring repeated treatments. There are also safety concerns: direct exposure to the lasers poses a risk of eye or skin injury, and in dry, arid regions, the intense heat from laser burns could potentially spark fires, raising environmental and safety alarms. Still, the technology represents a significant step forward in the shift toward smarter, more sustainable farming. As herbicide-resistant weeds become more widespread and labor shortages in agriculture persist, solutions like the LaserWeeder G2 could play a vital role in future farming systems.
