Arugga AI Farming, an Israeli startup known for its pollination robots, is set to launch a new technology aimed at improving greenhouse operations: robotic plant-lowering. The company, which has already made waves in the agricultural robotics field, unveiled this innovation after three years of development.
“We are excited to introduce our first commercial plant-lowering robots, a major step in automating greenhouse farming,” said Iddo Geltner, CEO of Arugga AI Farming. “Our initial robot has been tested successfully in collaboration with the Lans greenhouse team in Dinteloord, Netherlands, where we met our efficiency and safety targets. We are now focused on enhancing speed.”
Erwin van der Lans, Head of Operations and co-owner of the Lans greenhouse, shared his enthusiasm for the new technology. “Labor shortages and a lack of housing for greenhouse workers are major challenges in the Netherlands. Robotic solutions like this are crucial for staying competitive. I have been impressed by the performance of Arugga’s plant-lowering robot and look forward to deploying them across our greenhouses, with the support of Harvest House.”
Arugga’s new robotic system does more than lower plants. It is also equipped with cameras and sensors that allow it to gather valuable data. The robot can weigh individual plants and monitor growth, providing growers with key insights for better management. Two robots will be needed to cover one hectare of crops.
The company is already preparing for global expansion. Arugga has signed agreements with tomato growers worldwide to deploy its first units in January. “Our plant-lowering robot’s capabilities extend beyond just lowering plants,” said Geltner. “It can monitor plant health and weight, making it an essential tool for growers. With the ability to monitor crops on a large scale, we expect significant improvements in efficiency.”
Eytan Heller, Arugga’s Vice President of Business Development, highlighted the company’s growing presence in greenhouses. “We have successfully deployed our pollination robots in five countries, consistently increasing yields compared to traditional bumblebee or manual pollination methods. The launch of our new plant-lowering robots aligns with the release of Polly+, our second-generation pollination robot, which has shown notable speed improvements. Now, only 1 to 2 robots are needed to pollinate a hectare.”
As Arugga expands its robotic solutions, the company continues to innovate in the agricultural technology space, helping growers address labor shortages and optimize productivity.
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