https://carbonrobotics.com/laserweeder
https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/farming-robot-kills-200000-weeds-hour-lasers
The agricultural world is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by groundbreaking technology. Among the most fascinating innovations is a farming robot equipped with lasers that can destroy hundreds of thousands of weeds in mere hours. This high-tech solution is not just a marvel of engineering but a timely response to persistent challenges in farming, from labor shortages to the environmental impact of chemical herbicides.
. . . The robot operates with minimal human intervention, scanning rows of crops using 12 high-resolution cameras that detect weeds in real time. Its onboard AI system processes this information, distinguishing weeds from crops with incredible accuracy. Once a weed is identified, carbon dioxide lasers target and destroy it instantly, leaving the surrounding soil undisturbed. This approach eliminates the need for chemical herbicides, reducing environmental harm while preserving soil health. It also alleviates the physical burden of manual weeding, offering farmers a more efficient alternative.
Beyond its functional benefits, the introduction of robots like the Autonomous Weeder marks a significant shift in the agricultural sector. These machines demonstrate the potential of integrating AI into farming practices, enabling farmers to achieve more with fewer resources. As the capabilities of such robots continue to expand, they are not only solving immediate issues but also setting the stage for a future defined by sustainable and technologically advanced agriculture.
. . . Economically, the LaserWeeder is a sound investment. While the initial cost may seem substantial, its ability to cut weeding expenses by up to 80% means that the machine pays for itself within two to three years. This rapid return on investment, combined with its labor-saving capabilities, makes it a practical choice for farms of all sizes. As more farmers experience its benefits firsthand, the LaserWeeder is solidifying its place as a vital tool for modern agriculture.
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Get big dogs. My Aussie/Border Collie mix and Golden/Grand Pyrenees mix catch all kinds of stuff in my back yard. Squirrels, frogs, moles, rabbits, mice, rats, birds, and the occasional snake. The golden mix usually eats the rabbits and squirrels, which tbh kinda pisses me off since I'd like to have them around for if/when the SHTF. My wife also has a min-pin that catches mice as well. My other dog is a chihuahua/terrier/pug mix that looks like a sausage. He just stands there and watches.
I am in a suburban neighborhood in TX so there aren't many (if any) coyotes that come in here but there are out in the woods. I also know what you mean about San Diego regarding the coyotes. I was working a long contract out there in the 2011-12 years around Rancho Bernardo, came out late at night from work into the parking lot, and came face-to-face with 2 coyotes right by my rental car. I yelled at them while waving my arms and going towards them, and they ran out to the road and watched me. They ran again when I honked the horn while leaving. It was in a big tech complex. Fun.