Hyderabad-based agri-tech startup Harvested Robotics has raised Rs 5 crore in a seed funding round led by Arali Ventures. The investment round also saw participation from Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra and Country Delight co-founder Chakradhar Gade.

Founded in 2023 by Rahul Arepaka and George Mathew, Harvested Robotics specializes in AI-powered laser weeding technology designed to provide farmers with a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to traditional weed management. The latest funding will be utilized for product development, team expansion, and pilot projects, the company announced in a press release.

This funding round adds to the startup’s earlier grants, including a $12K grant from the Kerala Startup Mission in June 2024. In total, Harvested Robotics has secured $21.8K across two funding rounds.

Harvested Robotics’ flagship product is an AI-driven laser weeder that attaches to tractors. Equipped with advanced cameras and AI models, the system detects weeds and employs robotic actuators to eliminate them with high-power lasers in real-time. The technology aims to significantly cut costs for farmers, boost crop yields, and encourage organic farming by offering precise weed removal without harming crops.

Unlike conventional weed control methods that rely heavily on herbicides or manual labor, Harvested Robotics’ solution integrates adaptable software and robotic hardware that can be powered directly by tractors. This innovative approach reduces dependency on chemicals and labor-intensive practices, making weed management more efficient and affordable for farmers.

With its cutting-edge AI-powered laser weeding system, Harvested Robotics is poised to redefine the future of sustainable farming by offering an effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient weed control solution