Key Takeaways:
- Aigen introduces its next-generation Element gen2 robot, featuring AI vision, solar power, and upgraded weed control capabilities across cotton, soy, and sugar beet crops.
- The company enters the cotton sector through a strategic partnership with Bowles Farming Company, marking a major milestone in scaling robotic weed control across diverse crop types.
- Element gen2 incorporates key improvements, including 50% more power, 4x AI compute, stereo depth perception, and enhanced durability for real-world farming conditions.
- Bowles Farming Company will deploy Element gen2 crews during the 2025 season, testing their effectiveness in large-scale Pima cotton fields.
- Aigen positions its technology as a sustainable alternative to herbicides, addressing labor shortages and rising chemical costs in the U.S. agricultural sector.
Aigen Unveils Element Gen2 for Smarter, Chemical-Free Weed Control
Aigen, a leading agtech startup focused on sustainable weed management, has announced the launch of its Element gen2 robot, designed for precise, autonomous weeding across a broader range of crops. Drawing on more than 10,000 hours of field data, the updated robot now supports use in cotton, soy, and sugar beet fields, increasing Aigen’s addressable market by millions of acres globally.
Redesigned for Practical Farm Use
Built with direct feedback from farmers, Element gen2 incorporates several significant upgrades:
- Enhanced solar panels and battery systems for uninterrupted, all-day operation
- Advanced AI vision with stereo depth perception for precise weed detection and strike accuracy
- Modular design with all-wheel drive, ensuring functionality in mud, rain, and uneven terrain
- Dynamic crew coordination through intelligent mesh networking for large-scale, hands-free deployment
“With Element gen2, we’ve applied everything we’ve learned about what farmers actually need in a practical weeding solution,” said Kenny Lee, CEO of Aigen.
Partnership with Bowles Farming Company Demonstrates Scalability
Real-World Testing in California’s Central Valley
Aigen’s strategic collaboration with Bowles Farming Company, a sixth-generation family farm in California, will test Element gen2 in Pima cotton fields during the 2025 growing season. The partnership is a major step in proving the robot’s scalability and performance in new crop types.
“At Bowles, we’re always looking at emerging technologies that have the potential to help us farm more sustainably and efficiently,” said Cannon Michael, President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company. “We’re looking forward to evaluating their performance as the season progresses.”
Aigen’s Element Platform: Built for Sustainability and Autonomy
Designed for the Next Generation of Farming
Aigen’s robotics platform is underpinned by three core principles:
- Solar-powered autonomy: 100% solar-powered with battery backup, reducing energy and fuel dependency
- Full autonomy: Robots operate as coordinated crews without manual input
- Rugged agricultural design: Built to withstand extreme field conditions across different terrains
“Farmers are facing increasing challenges from herbicide-resistant weeds and labor shortages,” said Lee. “Our robot crews provide a practical alternative that works with nature rather than against it.”
Looking Ahead For Aigen: Orders Now Open for 2026 Season
Following growing interest and early field success, Aigen is now accepting orders for the 2026 growing season. The company encourages interested growers to secure their robotic crews ahead of peak demand.
By combining cutting-edge AI, robotics, and renewable energy, Aigen aims to deliver a chemical-free future for precision agriculture, supporting American farmers with smarter, scalable, and more sustainable solutions.
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