AI robots fill in for weed killers and farm hands

Aigen's solar-powered autonomous AI robots called Element operates at Bowles Farm in Los Banos, California, on June 26, 2025. As farms across the United States face a shortage of laborers and weeds grow resistant to herbicides, startup Aigen has a robotic solution it says can save farmers money, help the environment and keep harmful chemicals off produce people eat. Aigen's mission is to replace herbicides, not farm workers, benefiting growers and consumers in the process, according to Wurden. — Photos: AFP

LOS BANOS, United States: Oblivious to the punishing midday heat, a wheeled robot powered by the sun and infused with artificial intelligence carefully combs a cotton field in California, plucking out weeds.

As farms across the United States face a shortage of laborers and weeds grow resistant to herbicides, startup Aigen says its robotic solution – named Element – can save farmers money, help the environment and keep harmful chemicals out of food.