Artificial intelligence has officially entered the cannabis space. Meet Annaboto — a sleek, countertop “hemp-growing robot” designed for home use. With its minimalist design and plant-friendly aesthetic, it blends seamlessly into modern decor. But its origin isn’t rooted in cannabis at all.
In 2019, Carl Palme founded Boundless Robotics with a mission to democratize AI. His concerns about food insecurity, climate change and fragile supply chains led him to explore how robotics could empower individuals to grow their own food. Yet market research revealed a different demand: cannabis cultivation. So, Palme pivoted, and Annaboto was born.
Annaboto replaces soil with water, using hydroponics to grow cannabis efficiently and cleanly. The device monitors temperature, lighting and humidity through built-in robotics, while an AI-powered camera tracks plant health and adjusts nutrients in real time. A companion mobile app sends personalized alerts, snapshots, and even time-lapse videos of your plant’s growth cycle.
For novice growers, this solves two major hurdles: lack of space and lack of know-how. While traditional cultivation requires careful attention to pH levels, lighting schedules and pest control, Annaboto automates much of the process, without removing the satisfaction of growing something yourself.
Depending on the model, Annaboto ranges from $675 to $1,295. According to the company’s website, each unit can produce 2 to 4 ounces of flower every 90 days, with the capacity to grow up to four plants annually. It’s a high-tech solution for those seeking self-sufficiency, privacy or simply a new kind of hobby.
Info: annaboto.com
This article appears in Aug 21-28, 2025.