Carbon Robotics Evolution
Proven Rapid Innovation
From building the world's first commercial laser weeder, to passing $100 million in annual revenue less than four years after the first LaserWeeder shipped, to bringing autonomy to the tractor. Here's how we got here.
Where It Started
2018 · Seattle, Washington
Carbon Robotics Is Founded
- Founder & CEOPaul Mikesell
- FoundedIsilon Systems, acquired by EMC for $2.25B
- Co-foundedClustrix, acquired by MariaDB
- UberDirector of Engineering, Staff Engineer
- Oculus ResearchAR/VR and AI technologies
- EducationB.S. Computer Science, University of Washington
For more than two decades, Paul has built companies around one idea: mission-driven, focused engineering teams execute faster and build better products. At Carbon Robotics, he's bringing AI and robotics into the physical world to solve some of agriculture's most challenging problems.
Concept Validation
August 2019
Laser Cart
Internal prototype
- Lasers1× CO₂ 40W
- Coverage1 row span
- DriveManual push
- DeployedNov 2019 · WA
Total laser power40W
Engineering Validation
December 2019
Seedy
Internal prototype
- Lasers2× CO₂ 80W
- Coverage1 row span
- DriveDiesel generator, electric drives
- DeployedApril 2020 · ID
Total laser power160W
Pre-Sales Validation
June 2020
Veggie
Internal prototype
- Lasers4× CO₂ 150W
- Coverage2 × 40″ row span
- Drive4WD diesel, engine/hydraulic drivetrain
- DeployedNov 2020 · NM
Total laser power600W
Sales Demos
March 2021
Bud
Internal prototype
- Lasers8× CO₂ 150W
- Coverage2 × 40″ row span
- Drive4WD diesel, engine/hydraulic drivetrain
- DeployedApril 2021 · WA
Total laser power1,200W
Scaling Sales & Implementation
May 2022
LaserWeeder
CodenameSlayer
- Lasers30× CO₂ 150W
- Coverage3 × 80″ row span (60–84″)
- FormatTractor-pulled implement
- DeployedMay 2022 · WA, OR, CA, AZ, NM
Total laser power4,500W
Faster, Lighter, More Sizes
March 2025
LaserWeeder G2
CodenameReaper
- Size range2–12 meters
- FormatTractor-pulled implement
LaserWeeder G2-600
- Lasers24× 240W diode
- Modules12
- Row spacingAdjustable 72–90″
- DeployedNov 2024 · AZ, CA
Total laser power · G2-6005,760W
Autonomy for the Whole Farm
March 2025
Carbon Autonomy
Autonomous tractor kit
- FitsJohn Deere 6R, 8R, 8RX, 8RT (2019+)
- InstallNo permanent modifications
- Sensing360° cameras, LiDAR, radar, RTK GPS
- SupervisionRemote operators over satellite link
- TasksLaser weeding, tilling, discing, ripping, mowing