In this episode of The Techne Connect, Paul Mikesell, Founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, shares how his team is redefining agriculture through AI-driven robotics — from the laser-powered weeder eliminating the need for chemicals, to the autonomous tractor kit that converts standard machines into self-driving systems.
Paul reflects on his journey from scaling startups and leading AI development at Uber to building deep-tech solutions that tackle the world’s dull, dirty and dangerous jobs. He explores how focusing on ROI, team culture and genuine problem-solving has helped Carbon Robotics win the trust of farmers worldwide.
He discusses why agriculture is one of the most underrepresented yet high-impact frontiers for AI, the importance of understanding neural networks from the ground up, and why robotics will play a vital role in creating safer, more sustainable, and more abundant societies.