Key Takeaways
- TTA ISO unveils its AI-powered tomato harvesting robot, Harvai®, developed in response to labor and food safety concerns
- Artechno presents propagation trials showing 2–6 days faster growth and increased uniformity in controlled environments
- Event featured invited participation from over 100 growers, technologists, and CEA stakeholders
- Panel discussions highlighted the workforce impact of greenhouse innovation and future propagation trends
- The Netherlands and broader European market identified as key early adopters of robotic systems
TTA ISO and Artechno Host Joint Industry Demo Day on Tomato Automation
TTA ISO, in partnership with Artechno, hosted TomatoTech Innovation Summit, an industry gathering on June 6 aimed at highlighting next-generation automation technologies for tomato production. Held in the Netherlands, the event welcomed over 100 invited guests from the horticulture sector to experience machine demonstrations, panel sessions, and collaborative discussions.
“With TTA ISO we showed that we can make it happen as innovators of the industry. Proud about this collaboration as it shows,” said Art van Rjin, CEO of Artechno.
Harvai®: TTA ISO’s New AI-Powered Tomato Harvesting Robot
A major highlight of the day was the launch of Harvai®, a robotic harvester developed by TTA ISO. The system is designed to operate in the complex vine crop environment of tomato greenhouses, using a machine learning-based ripeness detection model and vision technology. Harvai® harvests 450 vines per hour and is compatible with heating rails for easy integration into existing facilities.
“It’s all about the balance,” said Henk-Jan Van Ooijen, CTO of TTA ISO. “We are eager to change the borders of existing technology in horticulture… We built a harvester that answers the problems of growers.”
Ben Pieterse addressed the advantages of grafting automation, highlighting the ability to process up to 4,000 plants per hour, reduce loss, and improve hygiene.
The product is not yet commercialized, with pilot deployments expected in early 2026. The company is working on a hybrid pricing model that shares risk between developers and early users.
Propagation Advances from Artechno
Artechno showcased its propagation unit, presenting trial results that demonstrate 2–6 days faster growth and greater crop uniformity compared to traditional greenhouse propagation. These results, according to the company, can be integrated into existing tomato production systems and are relevant to both propagators and growers.
“It’s not only about better yield but also about lowering risks like contamination from human interaction within the system,” said Art van Rjin.
Panel Perspectives: Innovation, Labor, and Market Readiness
A panel of industry voices including Rick van Schie, Gert van Straalen, Peter Kuivenhoven & Nana Bekoe-Sakyi, emphasized the connection between innovation and workforce retention.
“Greenhouses that don’t innovate are having more struggles in keeping their people in the company,” noted Rick van Schie, a third-generation tomato grower.
“Looking into the future, we’ll need more autonomy and options for workers to be fully supported on every working step,” added Nana Bekoe-Sakyi.
TTA ISO and Artechno Reflect on Industry Shifts
The event included commentary on market priorities and the broader propagation landscape. Artechno’s propagation strategy emerged from early challenges in vertical farming and evolved into scalable solutions for tomatoes, peppers, and ornamentals.
“The industry will decide organically who will propagate in the long run,” Art explained, “and we’re targeting both greenhouse growers and propagators.”
TTA ISO concluded the event by confirming their intention to host a second edition next year, with plans to involve seed breeders and other supply chain stakeholders.
This collaborative event between TTA ISO and Artechno underscored the growing importance of automation in addressing sector challenges such as labor shortages, food safety, and consistent crop production.
