Harvested Robotics Is Building an AI-Powered Laser Machine to Remove Weeds Without Chemicals

Could lasers offer farmers a new way to tackle unwanted weeds without relying on chemical herbicides?

Hyderabad-based agricultural robotics startup Harvested Robotics is working towards that possibility with RAKSHAK, an AI-powered, tractor-mounted laser weeding machine. The system uses cameras and computer vision to identify weeds before directing precision lasers at them, aiming to remove unwanted plants while minimising the need for chemical treatments.

Co-founded by Rahul Arepaka and George Mathew, the startup is combining robotics, artificial intelligence and precision agriculture to develop a new approach to weed management. According to the founders, RAKSHAK has demonstrated the ability to target 80–100 weeds per minute, with reported detection accuracy exceeding 90%. The team is now refining its laser-steering technology and working to make the machine more compact and suitable for different tractors. Currently in beta testing, RAKSHAK is still under development, with the company targeting commercial production in 2027.

Could laser-based weed removal become a practical alternative for Indian farmers?

#AgriTech #AgriculturalRobotics #IndianStartups #Startup77