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posted by hubie on Tuesday November 26, @07:42PM   Printer-friendly
from the taking-ai-robot-lasers-down-in-the-dirt dept.

The agricultural world is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by groundbreaking technology. Among the most fascinating innovations is a farming robot equipped with lasers that can destroy hundreds of thousands of weeds in mere hours. This high-tech solution is not just a marvel of engineering but a timely response to persistent challenges in farming, from labor shortages to the environmental impact of chemical herbicides:

By combining artificial intelligence with precision laser technology, companies like Carbon Robotics are reshaping the way farmers tackle one of agriculture's most labor-intensive tasks. These futuristic machines offer a glimpse into the potential of sustainable farming, where innovation meets efficiency, paving the way for a healthier and more productive future for agriculture.

[...] In the face of persistent agricultural challenges, technology has emerged as a transformative force, with farming robots leading the way. Carbon Robotics' Autonomous Weeder is a standout example of how innovation can revolutionize agriculture. This remarkable machine is designed to address the dual problems of labor shortages and environmental damage caused by conventional weed management practices. By combining artificial intelligence with advanced laser technology, the Autonomous Weeder delivers an unprecedented level of precision and efficiency.

The robot operates with minimal human intervention, scanning rows of crops using 12 high-resolution cameras that detect weeds in real time. Its onboard AI system processes this information, distinguishing weeds from crops with incredible accuracy. Once a weed is identified, carbon dioxide lasers target and destroy it instantly, leaving the surrounding soil undisturbed. This approach eliminates the need for chemical herbicides, reducing environmental harm while preserving soil health. It also alleviates the physical burden of manual weeding, offering farmers a more efficient alternative.

[...] The LaserWeeder is equipped with three times the lasers of the original model, enabling it to kill up to 200,000 weeds per hour. This incredible efficiency makes it one of the most effective weed management tools available. In just one hour, the LaserWeeder can cover two acres of farmland, a feat that would take human laborers days to achieve. [...] This targeted approach not only boosts productivity but also supports healthier, more sustainable farming practices.


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  • (Score: 2, Insightful) by pTamok on Tuesday November 26, @10:11PM (2 children)

    by pTamok (3042) on Tuesday November 26, @10:11PM (#1383484)

    What will the farm labourers do with all the leisure time they get from not having to do this back-breaking work in the fields?

    ...and how will they fund their leisure activities?

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  • (Score: 2, Informative) by pTamok on Tuesday November 26, @10:15PM

    by pTamok (3042) on Tuesday November 26, @10:15PM (#1383485)

    Just to add, quoting from Statista: Annual average number of people employed in the agricultural and nonagricultural labor forces in the United States from 1900 to 1970 [statista.com]

    From 1920 until 1970, the workforce of the United States grew from approximately 27 million people to 79 million people. Despite this growth, the share of the workforce employed in agriculture fell, dropping from around 11 to 3.5 million people. In 1920, there were approximately three nonagricultural workers in the U.S. for every two agricultural workers; by 1970, this ratio had shifted to roughly 22 to one. Employment in nonagricultural sectors grew in most years, yet there were regular declines that coincided with recessions or war; the largest dip came during the Great Depression in the early-1930s. Agricultural employment peaked at 11.5 million in 1907, but went into decline thereafter, with the sharpest fall coming after the Second World War.

  • (Score: 3, Funny) by Dr Spin on Wednesday November 27, @07:51AM

    by Dr Spin (5239) on Wednesday November 27, @07:51AM (#1383539)

    Never mind the workers - what about all the redundant sharks?

    --
    Warning: Opening your mouth may invalidate your brain!