How will robotization affects Bayer De Ruiter's breeding program?

Certhon's robot has now been active in Bayer's Experience Centre for two years. For those who ponder whether robotization has any impact at all on breeding: this is a resounding 'yes'. To John van der Knaap, Bayer, the robot is very familiar. "We host so many people here and everyone, from all corners of the world, shouts about a labor shortage. It's a big problem. We want to offer growers tools to cope with that. We like to take into account in our breeding program the possible use of a harvesting robot. It seems to be the solution to the labor issue."

Two years ago, Certhon's robot was installed at Bayer. Testing of several tomatoes was started. John: "You have so many things to take into account. Just think about fruit weight, the length of the stalk, how close the tomato is to the branch, and, of course, the cluster weight. This robot is suitable for bunches of 250g to 400g. So the cherry and cocktail tomato segment is very suitable." Certhon mainly focuses on the mini cherry and cocktail segment, as this is where the robot can make a bigger impact on the grower. The Strabena and Queenita varieties therefore stood out. These varieties passed the test well.

This year, Bayer's focus is mainly on what percentage of tomatoes can be harvested. And speed is also being looked at. John: "What will then naturally emerge is whether the deployment of a harvesting robot also has an effect on crop handling. Does the grower have to adjust anything in his daily work as well? That's an interesting question."

The tests described above are mainly about the already commercial varieties. And the new varieties? Isn't it interesting for those as well? Denso's robot takes a lot of camera images. Those images are shared with Bayer's breeders. They certainly take that into account for their breeding program.

Harvesting robot Certhon
John van der Knaap was positively surprised by the robot's capabilities. "It exceeds all my expectations. The basis has been laid. The basis is good. Speed comes naturally. This robot can work by itself. It masters the whole process of fetching empty crates, driving back to the greenhouse, knowing where 'it left off', harvesting, taking itself back to the concrete pad, etc.'

Future
Currently, Bayer does not have a leaf-cutting robot. That could be possible, as they want to keep up with innovations. Innovations are included in the breeding program. "It takes a while for a variety to come out of the breeding pipeline. Then you don't want to fall behind," John smiles.

"Besides, Certhon's harvesting robot is getting better and better. Every week we are in contact with Timo Kleijwegt from Certhon. Every week it gets better," John concludes.