One of the most groundbreaking tools in this shift is the LaserWeeder G2 from Carbon Robotics, founded by Paul Mikesell, a former infrastructure engineer at Uber. This AI-powered machine uses laser arrays and vision systems to identify weeds and eliminate them with pinpoint accuracy. Its onboard AI, trained with thousands of manually labeled images, can detect weeds in real time-no GPS or internet required.

Mikesell explains, "It's not just about finding the weed, but finding the exact place to destroy it." The neural networks that power these systems mimic biological learning processes, allowing tractors and field robots to adapt to dust, crop variability, and environmental conditions.

John Deere is also investing heavily in AI, with its See & Spray system now covering over 1 million acres using 8 million fewer gallons of herbicide than conventional spraying. The company's new autonomy kits, showcased at CES 2025, bring AI-driven automation to tasks like tillage and weed removal. Sarah Schinckel, Director of Emerging Technologies at Deere, emphasizes that these tools not only improve precision and sustainability, but also offer operational flexibility: "AI allows less experienced operators to perform like experts."

While major players lead the development of embedded AI hardware, some farmers are turning to generative AI tools for custom solutions. Phillip Guthrie of Nine Creeks Consulting reports seeing growers use ChatGPT to analyze weather data, troubleshoot agtech platforms, and even prototype their own farm analytics tools.

Guthrie sees generative AI as a tool of democratization-a way for producers to build what they need, instead of relying on expensive niche software. "Farmers don't need another app that does one thing-they want a system that can do everything," he says.

Though task-specific AI like CNNs now dominates field applications, the next evolution could involve integrating generative AI for planning, diagnostics, and decision-making. Mikesell imagines a future where a grower says, "Clear this 2,000-acre field," and a generative AI responds with a deployment plan for autonomous laser weeders.

AI in agriculture is no longer theoretical-it's working the fields, saving inputs, boosting precision, and opening doors for broader access to automation and intelligence. From big iron to chatbots, the tools of tomorrow are already helping American farmers work smarter today.