Robotics and automation in greenhouses and field crops

By combining in-depth crop knowledge with high-tech innovation, WUR develops robots and automated systems that contribute to reducing costs, to higher yields and that support sustainable cultivation. Our focus is on making production more sustainable and reducing physical labour in tasks such as weeding, harvesting, pruning, crop protection and enhancement, and crop monitoring.

We work closely with companies, governments and growers to develop solutions that are technologically advanced, agronomically effective and economically viable and scalable. Examples include autonomous weeding robots for arable and fruit farming, harvesting robots for broccoli and sweet pepper, and greenhouse robots that automatically control climate and irrigation.

What makes this expertise unique is that WUR not only develops prototypes but also tests and refines them in realistic field conditions. This enables us to bring robotics rapidly from lab to land and greenhouse.

• Challenges and opportunities in agro-robotics: Labour shortages and sustainability requirements demand new solutions. Robots can take over repetitive tasks, operate with high precision and help reduce waste.
• Robots for field crops: WUR develops intelligent tools and autonomous systems, such as weeding and harvesting robots for broccoli and fruit production.
• Automation in greenhouses: Through programmes such as AGROS, WUR is advancing the autonomous greenhouse: using sensors, cameras and robots to automatically manage climate and crop production processes.
• Collaboration and field validation: In greenhouses, climate chambers and test fields, WUR works with growers and partners to validate the latest robotics and automation technologies in practice.