Harvested Robotics, a startup focusing on AI-powered laser weeding technology for tractors, has secured Rs. 5 crore in a seed funding round led by Arali Ventures. This funding round also saw participation from Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, and Chakradhar Gade, co-founder of Country Delight.
So far, Harvested Robotics has accumulated a total of $21.8K through two rounds of funding, with the most recent being a grant of $12K received from the Kerala Startup Mission in June 2024.
The funds will be allocated towards product development, team expansion, and pilot projects, as stated by Harvested Robotics in a press release.
Founded in 2023 by Rahul Arepaka and George Mathew, Harvested Robotics seeks to offer farmers an environmentally sustainable and chemical-free alternative for managing weeds.
The company, located in Hyderabad, has developed an AI-driven laser weeder that can be attached to tractors. It employs cameras and AI algorithms to identify weeds, utilizing robotic actuators and high-powered lasers to eliminate them instantaneously. This technology aims to lower costs for farmers, boost yields, and support organic farming practices while ensuring accurate weed removal without harming crops.
Harvested Robotics employs an adaptable combination of software and robotic hardware that can be mounted on tractors and powered by them, presenting a potentially cost-effective solution. The startup addresses the challenges of high expenses and labor associated with conventional weed control methods.
“We are building laser weeding technology for tractors which uses AI to detect weeds using cameras that have an AI model on it. We use high power lasers which are controlled by robotic actuators to shoot at weeds while the tractors are moving like in real time,” Rahul Arepaka, Founder, Harvested Robotics.
“The laser technology requires one person to drive a tractor instead of two-three people indulging in the traditional time taking method of removing weeds,” he added.
