A Minnesota-based inventor, Mark Boysen, has created an innovative machine designed to eliminate weeds using a combination of artificial intelligence and steam, all while avoiding harmful chemicals. By modifying an existing lawn mower, Boysen developed an early prototype of his AI-driven weed eradication device.
This groundbreaking machine leverages artificial intelligence to identify weeds, distinguishing them from desirable plants, before applying a precise stream of steam to eliminate them. Boysen explains, “We can detect weeds using AI, tell the difference between a weed and a non-weed, and then blast it with steam, which is simply water. The steam effectively kills the weed within roughly 20 minutes.”
In a significant milestone, Boysen has obtained a patent for this invention and entered it into the Minnesota Cup competition last summer, where he received accolades including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Green Sustainability Award. His company, NAWARE, is currently working on a more compact version of the machine, which Boysen believes will appeal to homeowners seeking chemical-free solutions for maintaining their gardens.
While he is excited about the new model, he has opted to keep its full design under wraps until it’s officially ready for launch.
Boysen’s demonstrations show that the application of steam repeatedly kills weeds in about 20 minutes. As he describes it, the process has a distinctive scent reminiscent of cooking spinach, indicating that the steam is effectively breaking down the weeds’ cellular structure. An operational version of his invention is already in use at a winery in Arizona, and Boysen has shared his sustainability insights at the Minnesota State Fair.
Before founding NAWARE, Boysen spent over a decade coaching product development across various companies, from startups to established Fortune 500 firms. He recognized the need to apply his own expertise and embarked on his own product development journey.
His neighbor, Ryan Finnefrock, appreciates the chemical-free approach, especially as a parent to young children. “Having two kids, a four-year-old and a seven-month-old, it’s crucial for us to know that the methods we use are safe. While many effective products exist, we really can’t determine their safety for kids. Steam, however, poses no threat, making Boysen’s idea remarkable,” Finnefrock expressed.
Currently, Boysen faces a challenge of high demand that exceeds his production capabilities. "We have more requests than we can manage at the moment. The core issue is the speed at which I can develop the product,” he stated.
For additional details, you can visit the NAWARE website.
