Carbon Robotics LaserWeeder G2: a laser “flamethrower” on weeds vs. the ultra-precise Ecorobotix ARA

Ukrainian vegetable and specialty-crop farms face rising hand-weeding costs and tighter pesticide rules. Two standout technologies for 2024–2025 are Carbon Robotics LaserWeeder G2 (chemical-free laser weeding) and Ecorobotix ARA (ultra-precise “plant-by-plant” spraying). Below we unpack how they work, their throughput, tractor requirements, economics, and best-fit scenarios—ending with a concise head-to-head.

What LaserWeeder G2 is and how it works

LaserWeeder G2 is a tractor-mounted implement that uses deep-learning vision to identify weeds and obliterates them with laser pulses at sub-millimeter accuracy. The G2 generation comes in multiple configurations (G2 200/300/400/600/1200) with different counts of modules, cameras, and lasers so farms can match field size and budget. For example, G2 600 carries 12 modules, 24 × 240-W diode lasers, 36 cameras, LED crop-bed illumination, and an operator app (iPad) tied to Carbon Ops Center telemetry; stated performance is up to 10,000 weed “shots” per minute and 0.61–1.21 ha/h, with up to 99% weed control.

For smaller operations, G2 400 (8 modules) delivers 0.32–0.65 ha/h and ~6,667 shots/min, while G2 1200 scales to 32 × 240-W lasers and 48 cameras. All versions support night work thanks to powerful illumination, and a library of 100+ crop AI models helps distinguish crop from weed on the fly.

Tractor and power requirements

G2 models attach via Category-3 three-point hitch and draw power from a front PTO generator. As a reference, G2 200 calls for 110+ hp (≈40 hp on the PTO) and ≥2.95 t hitch lift capacity.

EU production

To accelerate EU deliveries and service, Carbon Robotics is launching LaserWeeder assembly in IJmuiden, the Netherlands, starting September 2025, reducing logistics friction and easing regulatory localization.

Ecorobotix ARA: ultra-precise “plant-by-plant” spraying

Ecorobotix ARA is a mounted UHP™ spotsprayer with 156 high-precision nozzles and a dense control matrix that hits a 6×6 cm target using Plant-by-Plant™ logic: the camera/AI classifies weed vs. crop, and the system applies a micro-dose only where needed. This delivers up to 95% pesticide savings (depending on weed pressure and use case). Working width is 6 m; speed up to 7.2 km/h; throughput up to 4 ha/h; and spray drift is reduced by up to 95% (JKI certified) thanks to nozzle proximity and shrouds.

ARA works day and night, logs operations in the cloud (as-applied maps, agrochemical stats), and supports target-by-size thresholds (e.g., apply foliar feed only to plants above a set diameter). Power demand is ≈3 kW from the PTO (hydraulic pack).

Economics and safety

Carbon Robotics cites a 1–3 year payback depending on acreage, crop, and local labor rates; expected service life is 7–10 years. This is compelling where hand weeding is costly or herbicide pressure is high. Keep in mind LaserWeeder is a Class-4 laser system, so shrouds, presence sensors, and strict safety procedures are integral.

With ARA, the business case rests on drastic agrochemical reduction and lower phytotoxicity, which can boost yield and biodiversity; the manufacturer shares field cases with double-digit yield gains.

LaserWeeder G2 vs. Ecorobotix ARA: which fits your field?

Quick take.

If your crop is herbicide-sensitive or you want to remove chemicals from the inter-row entirely, pick LaserWeeder G2.

If you aim to slash agrochemicals while keeping flexibility (fertilizers/biostimulants “into the plant”, size thresholds, as-applied maps), ARA offers the best balance of throughput and versatility.

Practical tips for Ukrainian farms

Map crops and bottlenecks first. On fields with heavy early weed pressure (carrot/onion/leafy), where hand weeding is expensive, LaserWeeder G2 removes the biggest pain. For “less chemistry but keep the spray tool,” go ARA.

Check tractor fleet capability. For G2, verify lift capacity and front PTO; for ARA, ensure PTO ~3 kW and hydraulics.

Plan night shifts. Both systems support night work (own optics/illumination), extending productive windows at peak season.

Watch it in action

Short video: https://youtube.com/shorts/Nvy0rLaGoI4.

Spare parts & custom machining — with Bas-Agro

To keep such high-tech implements running without downtime, you need a reliable machining/parts partner. Bas-Agro LLC (Cherkasy) manufactures and supplies spare parts for agricultural machinery and takes custom orders by drawing or sample—from header and seeder components to shafts, gears, bushings, flanges, guides, and more. Catalog & contacts: https://bas.ua/.

Sources

Official LaserWeeder G2 product pages: specifications, models, performance, apps.

Note on EU assembly (IJmuiden, Netherlands) starting September 2025.

Ecorobotix ARA brochure 2025 (6×6 cm target, up to 4 ha/h, up to 95% CPP savings; drift reduction up to 95% per JKI).

General ARA information on the manufacturer’s website.