A Cornell-led study has found that laser weeders can be as effective as herbicides in killing weeds in East Coast crops like peas, spinach, and beets, according to the Cornell Chronicle. The high-tech machines, using AI to target and zap weeds, reduced weed biomass by 97% without harming crops.
Developed by Carbon Robotics, the machines are gaining attention despite their $1.5 million price tag. Unlike herbicides, lasers didn’t stunt crop growth and even boosted crop biomass in some cases.
Researchers say more testing is needed across environments and weed types, especially those with hidden growth points like grasses.
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