Carbon Robotics is betting its modular Carbon Autonomous Tractor Kit (ATK) will find customers in the large-crop operation space, a market that to this point has enjoyed comparatively little autonomous innovation.
“The ATK system is built for really the big field work, the in-row, in-field stuff,” says Paul Mikesell, CEO for the Seattle company which is best known for its LaserWeeder AI-guided weed-blasting implement.
The unit attaches to the top of John Deere tractors — including the 6R, 8R, 8RX and 8RT (2019+) series — without permanent modifications.
“What we’re focusing on for ATK is what we consider the medium- and large-frame tractor work. So it’s stuff … like pulling a LaserWeeder or a cultivator or irrigation (equipment), forming beds and that kind of thing.”
That distinction, says Mikesell, is what separates the ATK from similar platforms, which have tended to serve production needs in small spaces like vineyards.
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The unit features 360-degree cameras, LiDAR, radar, AI detection of implement issues and “seamless” push-button manual override to switch between autonomous and manual operations.
Operators are not left on their own if things go sideways, says Mikesell. Technicians stationed at a centre in Richland, Washington, that is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days a week are there to help.
Photo: Carbon Robotics
“If anything happens, the tractor gets confused or something happens that the autonomy can’t handle, a person can take over and manually drive the system through any issues that come up,” he says.
One aspect of the ATK that may surprise some operators is its limited use of GPS, in favour of visuals and AI built on tech giant Nvidia’s technology.
“We can do furrow following with ATK with no GPS required,” Mikesell said.
“We only need a GPS to know where the field boundaries are.… That means you don’t have to have all of your rows marked out.”
Otherwise, the platform integrates with smart implements such as the LaserWeeder to optimize speed based on weed pressure. It also specializes in ground preparation with the ability to connect to implements for tilling, discing and ripping.
Operators pay for use of the unit on an hourly basis with hours automatically recorded.
“We try to make it as easy as possible.”
Carbon ATK is tentatively set to hit the Canadian market in 2027, says Mikesell.
“We’ll probably be pushing Europe and Canada next year. We are moving into Australia right now. We’re taking the opportunities as they come and evaluating each of the geographic markets based on how much interest we’re getting. Canada’s definitely on the list.”
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