RoBoTec, a German startup, has introduced a groundbreaking solution to address the critical scarcity of plants, a pressing issue exacerbated by climate change. The company’s new RoBoCut system leverages artificial intelligence, 3D image recognition, and laser-based cutting techniques to enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of producing young plants. This innovation, emerging from RoBoTec’s rich legacy rooted in Bock Bio Science, aims to transform the global plant production landscape.
Traditional methods of plant propagation often result in mishandling of plant cells, increased disease transmission, and stunted growth, challenges that RoBoCut effectively mitigates. By automating the entire in vitro plant production process, including cup opening, plant removal, cutting, and placement on fresh medium, RoBoCut ensures optimal cutting lines and significantly reduces loss rates. Previously, methods relied heavily on manual labor and were prone to human error, which RoBoCut’s precision technology addresses by ensuring healthier and more robust plant growth.
Transforming Plant Production
RoBoTec’s Chief Development Officer, Friederike von Rundstedt, emphasized the necessity of boosting plant production to tackle biodiversity challenges and secure sufficient food for the growing population. She shared,
“We must increase plant production because otherwise, we can’t tackle our biodiversity challenges, reduce climate change, and secure enough food for our increasing population.”
The introduction of RoBoCut is not just a technological leap; it also addresses labor shortages in various regions, including India, Australia, and South America, where the demand for skilled plant production workers is high. The automated system eliminates the need for large seasonal workforces, thus reducing stress related to staffing and training. Stephan von Rundstedt, RoBoTec’s CEO, noted that automation in plant production often leads to crushed cells and disease transmission, which RoBoCut effectively prevents through its precise laser cutting technology.
Local Production Benefits
Stephan highlighted the environmental and logistical advantages of local production enabled by RoBoCut. According to him, this technology allows for local plant production worldwide, reducing unnecessary transportation routes and CO2 emissions. This shift not only enhances supply security but also contributes to global food security by facilitating the mass production of high-quality starting material. The implementation of RoBoCut also supports sustainable and resource-efficient production, reducing the reliance on chemical plant protection products.
RoBoTec’s technology is designed to surpass traditional cleanliness, flexibility, and security standards, making it suitable for diverse applications, including food crops, ornamental plants, and biofuels. The company has invested significantly in software development to ensure that RoBoCut delivers maximum value through a subscription model that covers ongoing updates, technical support, and data analytics. With extensive research and development backing the innovation, RoBoTec aims to support large breeders and plant producers in setting new benchmarks for agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
RoBoTec’s ongoing discussions with numerous plant producers and its efforts to refine tooling for various crops, such as the Phalaenopsis Orchid, underscore the company’s commitment to revolutionizing plant production. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, innovations like RoBoCut are crucial in ensuring a sustainable future for plant production and food security.
