The Carbon Robotics tractor autonomy solution, Carbon AutoTractor. Photo: Carbon Robotics

Agritech company Carbon Robotics is launching a new autonomy solution called Carbon AutoTractor, enabled by a low-latency satellite link. The Carbon AutoTractor product uses SpaceX‘s Starlink satellite connectivity, Via Satellite has learned. 

Carbon Robotics said the product is designed to enable autonomy for precision weeding and ground preparation tasks like tiling, plowing, cultivating, mowing, and more. 

The autonomy solution is compatible with existing John Deere 6R and 8R Series tractors, and it includes its own high-speed, low-latency satellite connectivity as part of the solution, Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics, said in a statement to Via Satellite. 

The satellite link ensures that data from GPS, cameras, and radar-based safety sensors can be sent to the Carbon Robotics’ Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC). The operations center provides real-time supervision and can resolve issues that would lead to autonomy stoppage like debris or wildlife.  

“While many modern tractors may already be equipped with satellite connectivity systems, Carbon Robotics provides the full connectivity package as part of its installation to guarantee consistent performance and oversight — regardless of what the tractor may already have on board,” Mikesell said. 

Once installed, tractors can switch between autonomous and manual operation. Carbon Robotics emphasized that the combination of satellite connectivity and remote monitoring makes autonomous operations more reliable. 

“Autonomy in agriculture has been overpromised and underdelivered,” Mikesell said in a release. “We built Carbon AutoTractor to change that — by working closely with farmers every step of the way to design a solution rooted in simplicity, reliability, and the realities of modern farm operations. This is autonomy shaped by real-world experience, not just another tech experiment.”

The company announced the product in late March.

Connecting large agriculture machines is an emerging area for satellite connectivity. John Deere is now offering a Starlink solution for machines and CNH brands including Case IH are working on a similar solution with Intelsat.