'We are trying to build the India's biggest agri data bank': Harvested Robotics' Rahul Aripaka

Rahul Aripaka, co-founder of Harvested Robotics, details his 'Make in India' story of developing an AI-powered laser weeding machine named 'Rakshak' for Indian farmers. Aripaka explains that the machine, which mounts on any tractor, uses cameras and AI to detect weeds and high-power lasers to eliminate them, reducing the need for manual labour and chemical herbicides. A key point from the interview is the dramatic cost difference; while similar international machines cost around a million dollars, 'Rakshak' is expected to be priced between ₹10 to ₹12 lakhs. The startup is also building what Aripaka calls 'India's biggest agri data bank' by collecting crop and weed data from across the country. The Hyderabad-based company recently raised ₹5 crore in a pre-seed round with backing from prominent angel investor Anand Mahindra.