Carbon AutoTractor in action with Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder. | Credit: Carbon Robotics
Carbon Robotics launched a new tractor autonomy package this week. The Carbon AutoTractor is designed to retrofit any number of existing tractor platforms and deliver full driverless autonomy for the tractor.
In addition to the Carbon Autonomy Kit, staffers at the Remote Operations Control Center can handle interventions in real time to minimize operational disruptions.
“Carbon AutoTractor delivers reliable, uninterrupted autonomous tractor operation, helping farmers increase productivity, reduce labor dependency, and scale operations,” said the company, also known as Carbon Autonomous Robotic Systems Inc.
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Carbon Robotics pivots to smart implement
Seattle-based Carbon Robotics is known for its high-powered laser weeding technology. Its first product was a fully autonomous laser-weeding platform, back in 2021. However, the economics of a fully autonomous weeder platform didn’t work out, so the company pivoted to embed the laser weeding technology into a smart implement.
The guiding logic for improving the return on investment (ROI) with a smart implement form factor was that the device could now cover three rows instead of one. This shortens the time to ROI by a minimum of 3X, said Carbon Robotics.
In addition, the LaserWeeder could be pulled behind an existing manual tractor, a machine owned by every farmer.
“Carbon Robotics proved with the LaserWeeder that they know how to build and support real farming technology, and that’s why we trust them with Carbon AutoTractor,” said Brandon Munn, farm manager at Columbia Basin Onion LLC. “Now, with many of our tractors and LaserWeeders running autonomously with Carbon AutoTractor, we’re able to operate more hours, address labor challenges, and make night shifts safer and more reliable. This isn’t just automation; it’s a practical solution that’s fundamentally
changing how we farm.”
AutoTractor can function for multiple tasks
Carbon Autonomy Kit that is installed on Tractors. | Credit: Carbon Robotics
With the release of the Carbon AutoTractor, the company has repackaged and enhanced its autonomy stack into a fully retrofittable package. Farmers using the Carbon LaserWeeder can now add autonomy to their tractors, get out of the cab, and let the system weed a field on its own.
In addition to weeding, the Carbon AutoTractor can be deployed for other workflows on the farm, including tiling, plowing, cultivating, ripping, discing, listing, mulching, and mowing—eliminating the need for an in-cab driver.
The system features multiple layers of built-in safety, including RTK-accurate GPS, 360-degree cameras, radar-based safety sensors, and physical, remote, and mobile e-stops. They are all connected via a high-speed, low-latency satellite link for instant responsiveness and oversight.
he Carbon Autonomy Kit is initially compatible with John Deere 6R and 8R Series tractors. It requiring no permanent modifications and can be installed in less than 24 hours.
With AI-powered decision-making, integration across field tasks, and live operator surveillance, Carbon AutoTractor offers farmers a reliable, scalable path to autonomy, claimed Carbon Robotics. The company offers flexible, pay-per-hour pricing model to make this technology more accessible and cost-effective.
At launch, Carbon AutoTractor is available to select LaserWeeder customers in key U.S. regions.
Carbon AutoTractor fleet during a night shift. | Credit: Carbon Robotics
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