Key Takeaways
- Technological Advancement by Certhon & Denso: Artemy introduces advanced vision and sensor technologies to automate the harvesting of ripe truss tomatoes.
- Labor Efficiency: Features such as automatic lane change and automated crate management significantly mitigate manual labor in agriculture.
- Operational Safety: Designed to ensure safe interaction with humans in greenhouse environments, Artemy incorporates safety stops and continuous operational capabilities.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: By addressing labor shortages and the impacts of climate change, Artemy contributes to the sustainability of agricultural production.
- Public Exhibition: Artemy will be presented at GreenTech Amsterdam, showcasing its functionalities to the global horticultural community.
Artemy, a collaborative innovation by DENSO Corporation and Certhon, marks a significant step forward in agricultural robotics. This robot is tailored for commercial use, specifically designed to enhance the harvesting process in greenhouse environments by utilizing advanced vision technology to assess and pick ripe truss tomatoes.
Enhanced Functional Capabilities
Artemy is equipped with an automatic lane change function that enables it to navigate across greenhouse lanes without traditional track systems. This feature leverages sophisticated sensor and image recognition technology to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, Artemy automates the replacement and transfer of crates, thereby reducing the physical strain typically associated with these tasks.
Ms. Lotte van Rijn, CEO of Certhon, states, “The automatic lane-change function allows Artemy to autonomously move between running lanes, addressing a critical need in greenhouse operations and significantly reducing labor requirements.”
Safety and Continuous Operation
Artemy is designed to operate alongside human workers safely, halting immediately when obstacles are detected. It is equipped with cluster and peduncle detection LEDs, facilitating around-the-clock operation under various lighting conditions, including under LEDs. The robot’s design includes replaceable batteries, ensuring continuous operation without dependency on natural light.
Strategic Collaboration and Technological Integration
Mr. Hidehiro Yokoo, Senior Executive Officer at DENSO Corporation, elaborates on the integration of technologies: “DENSO’s expertise in mobility, safe driving, and robotics is integrated into Artemy’s operations, enhancing everything from the automatic harvesting of cherry truss tomatoes to the safe navigation within greenhouses.”
Global Challenges and Solutions in Agriculture
The development of Artemy addresses several pressing challenges in agriculture, such as labor shortages and the effects of climate change on stable food production. By automating essential agricultural processes, Artemy aims to establish more sustainable and resilient farming practices.
Public Debut and Future Endeavors
Artemy will be demonstrated publicly at GreenTech Amsterdam, the world’s largest horticultural trade show. Held from June 11 to 13 at RAI Amsterdam in the Netherlands, this event provides an opportunity for industry stakeholders to witness Artemy’s capabilities firsthand.
Looking ahead, both DENSO and Certhon aim to continue their collaboration to develop technologies that enhance productivity and support diverse crop management within greenhouse environments.
Certhon Latest News
Unveils Thevi, A Yield Forecasting Software (2024/04/29)
Certhon has introduced Thevi, a specialized yield forecasting software for lettuce growers. Thevi’s development involved extensive research into crop forecasting utilizing advanced imaging technologies to continuously monitor crop growth and health. Thevi offers accurate yield predictions by considering variables like indoor LED lighting and external weather conditions. The accessible, user-friendly dashboard ensures that growers can easily understand and apply the data in their daily management practices. Early adopters have reported remarkably accurate forecasts of lettuce weights, allowing them to adjust quickly and maintain high delivery standards, significantly enhancing their ability to serve customers better. Certhon plans to introduce Thevi to the global market at GreenTech Amsterdam.
Announce Commercial Collaboration in the Middle East and Africa With DENSO (2023/09/07)
Certhon and DENSO have officially started their commercial collaboration in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The partnership combines Certhon’s horticultural knowledge with DENSO’s technical expertise to bring innovative solutions to the region. The collaboration aims to expand opportunities by rolling out new technology sectors throughout the MEA territory, coordinated from DENSO’s regional headquarters in Dubai and Certhon’s headquarters in The Netherlands.
DENSO Corporation Acquires Certhon: Celebration With Seed Planting (2023/09/01)
DENSO Corporation has acquired Certhon, a frontrunner in the development of greenhouse projects. The acquisition was commemorated with a symbolic seed-planting ceremony attended by employees and special guests to signify a fruitful future for both companies. The partnership aims to leverage both companies’ expertise and resources to foster innovation and sustainability within the horticulture sector. The Dutch Ministry also recognized the significance of this acquisition. The symbolic seed planted at the end of the ceremony represents the companies’ joint future and the “harvest of opportunities” they aim to realize.
DENSO Acquires Certhon Group (2023/08/01)
DENSO Corporation has acquired the full stake in Certhon Group, a Dutch horticultural facility operator, to accelerate the global expansion of DENSO’s agricultural production business. DENSO and Certhon have been collaborating to develop and sell agricultural greenhouses tailored to regional needs and finding solutions to future labor shortages. The acquisition aims to leverage the combined strengths of both companies to solve global food challenges and establish a food value chain business encompassing production, distribution and consumption.
Reveals A New Greenhouse Providing More Control (2022/11/17)
Certhon’s new SupriSun greenhouse offers complete control over lighting and temperature, providing an energy-efficient method for indoor gardening. The greenhouse uses customized screens, dimmable LEDs, and climate systems to adjust the climate while leveraging the power of the sun to reduce energy costs. SupriSun can be constructed separately or in conjunction with Certhon’s prior invention, the Gronos, and offers a controlled growth environment that prevents disease spread.
Wins Legal Battle Against PlantLab (2022/06/28)
The Hague Court of Appeal has ruled out PlantLab’s patents regarding the application of LED lighting in climate chambers as null and void in a legal battle with Certhon. The case originated in 2013 when PlantLab accused Certhon of patent infringement. The Dutch and European patents of PlantLab were declared invalid. PlantLab compensated Certhon for its legal costs. However, Certhon fears that PlantLab will continue patent applications based on the same principles.
Image provided Certhon
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