RoBoTec’s Automated Approach to Combat Global Plant Production Challenges and Food Security

RoBoTec is pioneering a transformative approach to plant production through its groundbreaking technology, RoBoCut, which leverages a fully autonomous system that integrates artificial intelligence, 3D image recognition, and laser-based cutting techniques. This innovative solution addresses the pressing challenges of plant scarcity driven by climate change, which necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of traditional plant production methods. As highlighted by Friederike von Rundstedt, Chief Digital Officer and plant specialist at RoBoTec, the urgency for increased plant production is paramount to combat biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change impacts, and ensure food security for a growing global population.

Emerging from Bock Bio Science—a family-owned enterprise with a century-long legacy in plant breeding, in vitro propagation, and green biotechnology—RoBoTec embodies a rich history of innovation. The company aims to revolutionize the production of young plants, particularly those intended for food, medicinal, and renewable energy applications.

RoBoCut automates the entire in vitro plant production process, effectively managing tasks such as cup opening, plant removal, cutting, and the placement of cut plantlets onto fresh media. By employing high-precision 3D image recognition and deep learning algorithms, RoBoCut optimizes cutting lines, enhancing yields and minimizing losses. Unlike traditional automation methods, which often lead to damaged plant cells and the risk of disease transmission, RoBoCut employs precision laser cutting. This method preserves capillarity at cut sites, optimizing nutrient flow and promoting robust plant growth, thereby ensuring healthier plants with reduced infection risk.

In addition to addressing issues of plant health, RoBoCut also alleviates labor shortages prevalent in regions like India, Australia, and South America. As explained by CEO Stephan von Rundstedt, large-scale plant producers that generate over 100 million tonnes annually typically require extensive staffing, necessitating the hiring of thousands of workers for peak production seasons. This demand creates significant stress in staffing, training, and planning. By enabling local production capabilities, RoBoCut facilitates a return to domestic plant production, reducing reliance on outsourcing, which is often fraught with logistical challenges and environmental impacts associated with transportation.

Stephan emphasizes the environmental benefits of RoBoCut’s technology, stating that it fosters local plant production and minimizes unnecessary transport routes and CO2 emissions. This approach not only enhances supply security but also actively contributes to food security by ensuring the reliable mass production of high-quality starting materials.

RoBoTec’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond logistics. The technology enables resource-efficient production that reduces the reliance on chemical plant protection products, ultimately enhancing plant quality. The system exceeds traditional standards for cleanliness, flexibility, control, and security, making it versatile enough to assist in cultivating a wide range of crops, from food to ornamentals and biofuels.

The extensive research and development underpinning RoBoCut has focused heavily on software innovation, reflecting the company's identity as scientists rather than mere machine builders. RoBoTec is developing a subscription model that encompasses ongoing software updates, technical support, and data analytics, ensuring that customers derive maximum value from their investment. This model aims to provide an uninterrupted user experience, crucial for industrial settings, as the company is dedicated to optimizing the system's performance throughout its lifecycle.

With RoBoCut, RoBoTec aspires to support large breeders and plant producers globally in transforming agricultural practices while setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the industry. By championing localized, technology-driven plant production, RoBoTec is poised to make a significant impact on the future of agriculture, addressing the challenges of a changing climate and the needs of an increasing population.