Carbon Robotics has unveiled Carbon AutoTractor, a new autonomy system that transforms conventional tractors into driverless machines, monitored and managed in real time by trained human operators. Built around the Carbon AI platform, the solution is designed to deliver continuous, dependable autonomous operations for farms seeking to scale up productivity and address labor shortages.
This by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 01, 2025
Carbon Robotics has unveiled Carbon AutoTractor, a new autonomy system that transforms conventional tractors into driverless machines, monitored and managed in real time by trained human operators. Built around the Carbon AI platform, the solution is designed to deliver continuous, dependable autonomous operations for farms seeking to scale up productivity and address labor shortages.
This innovation responds directly to farmers' longstanding concerns about tractor autonomy systems that frequently stall, require complex oversight, or fail under real-world production demands. By designing Carbon AutoTractor in collaboration with farmers, Carbon Robotics aims to offer a system that is simple to use, reliable under stress, and compatible with modern agricultural needs.
"Too often, autonomy in agriculture has been overpromised and underdelivered," said Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. "We built Carbon AutoTractor to change that-by working closely with farmers every step of the way to design a solution rooted in simplicity, reliability, and the realities of modern farm operations. This is autonomy shaped by real-world experience, not just another tech experiment."
At the heart of the offering are two components: the Carbon Autonomy Kit, which installs on existing tractors, and the Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC), where operators actively supervise fieldwork and can instantly take control in unforeseen situations such as encountering wildlife, debris, or irrigation systems. This approach significantly reduces disruptions and eliminates the need for farmers to perform on-site resets.
Initially compatible with John Deere 6R and 8R Series tractors, the Carbon Autonomy Kit can be installed without permanent changes and enables tractors to switch easily between manual and autonomous modes. Installation takes less than a day.
The system integrates with Carbon Robotics' existing LaserWeeder technology, automatically regulating speed based on weed conditions, and increasing weeding coverage by as much as 20% over manual operation.
"Carbon Robotics proved with the LaserWeeder that they know how to build and support real farming technology, and that's why we trust them with Carbon AutoTractor," said Brandon Munn, farm manager at Columbia Basin Onion LLC. "Now, with many of our tractors and LaserWeeders running autonomously with Carbon AutoTractor, we're able to operate more hours, address labor challenges, and make night shifts safer and more reliable. This isn't just automation; it's a practical solution that's fundamentally changing how we farm."
Beyond weeding, the platform supports autonomous execution of multiple ground preparation activities such as cultivating, discing, ripping, mulching, plowing, tiling, mowing, and listing, removing the need for an in-cab driver.
Carbon AutoTractor incorporates robust safety measures, including real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS, full-surround cameras, radar sensors, and multiple emergency stop systems accessible physically, remotely, or via mobile devices. These are all linked through a high-speed, low-latency satellite connection, enabling fast response and oversight.
With intelligent automation, task-wide integration, and continuous human supervision, the Carbon AutoTractor provides a scalable, trustworthy solution for autonomous farming. Its pay-per-hour pricing model is designed to lower adoption costs and increase accessibility.
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