Key Takeaways
- Commercial Deployment: Artemy, the advanced autonomous harvesting robot developed by DENSO Corporation and Certhon, is now operating in an 8-hectare commercial greenhouse at The Valley.
- Labor Cost Solution: The robot addresses labor shortages and rising costs in Dutch greenhouse horticulture, helping growers maintain competitiveness.
- Successful Pilot Program: The Valley Growers, part of Growers United, tested Artemy, with positive feedback on its adaptability and efficiency.
- Ongoing Development: Engineers continue refining Artemy’s logistics and operational efficiency through grower partnerships and software advancements.
- Future of Robotics in Horticulture: Robotics is expected to play a critical role in greenhouse farming, with industry leaders advocating for widespread adoption.
Autonomous Tomato Harvesting: Artemy Enters Commercial Use
Artemy, an advanced autonomous harvesting robot developed by DENSO Corporation and Certhon, has officially entered commercial operation at The Valley, a large-scale greenhouse cultivating mini cherry and cocktail tomatoes. This marks a significant step toward solving labor shortages in greenhouse horticulture while enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Pilot Program and Grower Experience
The robot was piloted in The Valley Growers’ greenhouses, part of Growers United, with grower Joost van der Voort sharing insights into the adaptation process. “In the beginning, it took some getting used to, both for Artemy and us. But I am truly impressed by how quickly the machine has evolved,” said van der Voort.
Addressing Rising Labor Costs
The Netherlands faces higher labor costs compared to neighboring European countries, impacting profitability. “Looking to the future, I see labor is becoming more expensive. Profitability is declining, so we need to find ways to cut costs. Robotics is a very effective way to reduce labor expenses,” van der Voort noted.
With Dutch labor costs exceeding €26 per hour, compared to lower wages in Belgium, growers face competitive pressure. “We serve the same customer, creating an uneven playing field. By innovating with robotics, we remain competitive,” he added.
Certhon’s Artemy Practical Application
Throughout the pilot, various logistical challenges were addressed, highlighting Artemy’s flexibility and adaptability. “A tomato is still a tomato, but the Japanese engineers had to make a few adjustments to ensure Artemy functions optimally,” van der Voort explained.
The grower emphasized the robot’s potential: “I’m confident that with further refinement of logistics, we can achieve significant reductions in labor costs. This is why we’re investing in this technology. It is a promising machine, and I would say: keep an eye on it.”
Robotics as the Future of Greenhouse Horticulture
Van der Voort sees robotics as essential to the future of greenhouse farming: “The future of greenhouse horticulture depends on robotics. In the future, we simply won’t be able to do without it.” He encourages more companies to invest in automation, believing broader industry involvement will accelerate innovation.
Optimizing Performance and Expanding Adoption
DENSO’s Mr. Mukai, executive officer in charge of its food value chain business, emphasized Artemy’s role in addressing modern horticulture challenges: “Artemy brings together Certhon’s horticultural expertise and DENSO’s advanced robotics technology to address labor availability, rising costs, and operational efficiency.”
Certhon and DENSO are committed to refining Artemy’s capabilities through ongoing grower partnerships and software enhancements. By collaborating with The Valley Growers and Growers United, one of the leading vegetable grower cooperatives in the Netherlands, they aim to accelerate Artemy’s adoption worldwide.
“With growers like Joost van der Voort providing valuable insights, we aim to expand Artemy’s reach and optimize its performance. In cooperation with The Valley, Artemy marks a key step toward scaling up autonomous solutions, helping growers tackle today’s challenges and prepare for the future,” said Mukai.
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