Tomato harvesting in greenhouses is a labor-intensive job, yet it's becoming harder to find workers willing to take it on. "The physical demands and year-round nature of the work lead to a high turnover of workers, leaving growers struggling to keep up. This labor shortage not only disrupts production but also affects the quality and consistency of harvests, creating a significant challenge for the industry," says Adi Nir, Founder and CEO of MetoMotion. With this challenge in mind, the Israeli robotics company developed a solution.
A robotic harvester
MetoMotion's robotic tomato harvester is the company's solution to the problem. "Designed to address the needs of growers, the system can reduce labor demands by up to 80%. Beyond just saving on labor costs, the robot introduces higher precision in harvesting, allowing for better yield forecasting and crop health monitoring," Adi explains.
MetoMotion's technology isn't just a tool for harvesting, it's a data-driven solution. Adi explains that the robot uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to collect detailed data on crop conditions, helping growers make informed decisions about harvesting schedules and yield optimization. "This capability offers growers the flexibility to harvest based on changing market demands, ensuring they can meet quality standards while minimizing waste."
Easy integration and flexibility
According to Adi, one of the key advantages of MetoMotion's harvester is that it integrates easily into existing greenhouse setups. "The system doesn't require any major changes to infrastructure, making it accessible for growers looking to modernize their operations without significant disruption."
While some agrotechnical adjustments may be needed to fully optimize the system, these changes are minimal compared to the benefits, he says. "The robot is also highly adaptable, meaning growers can program it to harvest according to different specifications, depending on their needs. This adaptability ensures that the technology is ready to support both current and future demands in greenhouse farming."
ROI
"With labor shortages driving up operational costs, the robot provides a way to save on labor while enhancing efficiency," Adi adds. MetoMotion reports that its robotic harvester has a payback period of just two to three years, with an ROI of over 500%. "For an industry struggling with labor shortages and rising costs, these figures make a strong argument for adoption," Adi says.
In addition to labor savings, Adi adds that the system's ability to reduce waste and improve yield quality further boosts the financial benefits. "By offering more precise harvesting and minimizing crop damage, the robot helps growers maintain high standards while reducing losses."
Simplifying the packing process
Post-harvest packing is another area where MetoMotion's robot can help. "Packing often varies depending on customer requirements, and the need for flexibility can create inefficiencies. Our system standardizes packing during harvest, using common standard boxes. This not only simplifies the process but also ensures that growers have the flexibility to customize packing for premium products in the warehouse, without disrupting harvest operations," Adi says.
The future of greenhouse growing
MetoMotion's robotic harvester aims to offer a practical solution to ongoing labor challenges in greenhouse growing. "As AI technology advances, the system will likely become more refined, offering additional benefits over time. Growers who adopt this early can enhance productivity and reduce costs, addressing both labor shortages and operational inefficiencies. While robotics in agriculture is still evolving, it has already proven valuable for greenhouse operations, helping growers remain competitive in an industry where efficiency is key," he concludes.
For more information:
MetoMotion
[email protected]
www.metomotion.com