As robotics increasingly becomes a cornerstone of modern horticulture, the question of whether machines will eventually replace humans in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is becoming more pertinent. This very topic will be addressed during the eighth edition of I-Grow Inside, hosted by World Horti Center on Tuesday, 19 November.
During this event, which can be attended both in person at the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk or online, a panel of three industry professionals will discuss the rise of robotics in horticulture and its potential impact on the sector. While it once seemed far-fetched, robotic innovations are now appearing in greenhouses worldwide, from autonomous drones navigating delicate crops to robots picking ripe tomatoes. However, as with any technological shift, not all growers are ready to embrace this future, with many wondering when is the right time to make the switch.
The panel aims to tackle these uncertainties by exploring questions such as when it makes sense to implement robotics and how these changes can be integrated into traditional farming practices. They will also discuss the importance of collaboration between technology developers and growers. As World Horti Center notes, "co-creation is one of the most important factors driving innovation in the horticulture cluster."
Industry Voices on Robotics in Horticulture
The seminar will be moderated by Matthijs van den Beukel, who will present statements to the panel and facilitate a discussion that explores various perspectives. The panel includes:
Timo Kleijwegt, Sales & Product Manager at Certhon
Boy de Nijs, Product Manager Labour & Robotics at Ridder
Renko Schuil, Sales Manager Indoor Farming at TTA
These professionals will share their insights on how robotics could shape the future of horticulture, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. According to Boy de Nijs, "Developments are moving fast, but the transition must be deliberate and supported by practical, on-the-ground collaboration." The event promises to be a critical platform for growers who are both curious and cautious about robotics in their daily operations.
Details and Registration
The I-Grow Inside seminar kicks off at 14:30 CET on 19 November at World Horti Center, Europa 1, Naaldwijk. Attendees are invited to arrive from 14:00 for a welcome reception, and there will also be a networking session after the main discussion until 17:00. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be streamed online.
Registration for the seminar is free, and interested parties can sign up via the World Horti Center website or directly through this link.
About I-Grow and World Horti Center
The I-Grow Inside seminar series is part of the I-Grow theme square at World Horti Center, an area dedicated to showcasing advancements in controlled environment agriculture. From students to policy makers, the I-Grow theme square has been a source of inspiration for many. It stands as a testament to the progress made in high-tech greenhouses and indoor farming, made possible by collaborations between the World Horti Center and several leading companies.
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