Smart 3D technology controls robots in horticulture and saves labour

The collaboration between TTA-ISO and WUR began ten years ago, explains WUR researcher Rick van de Zedde. “PhD candidate Nicole Koenderink had developed 3D technology for analysing the quality of seedlings in three dimensions using camera images as part of her doctoral research. At the time, TTA-ISO was already successful with robotised 2D cutting of crops such as chrysanthemums, in collaboration with Robovision. When they learned about this seedling inspection machine, they approached us with the question:could this 3D image analysis be adapted for robotic use? Van de Zedde subsequently supervised the research trajectory. “This project has led to the development of several machines. TTA-ISO now builds and sells these robots on a large scale.”

On behalf of TTA-ISO, WUR developed a robot for plant breeders in the vegetable sector that automatically collects leaf samples from young seedlings.Van de Zedde explains: “When a plant breeder develops new varieties, they want to perform DNA analysis on the seedlings.. Collecting leaf samples from plants is labor-intensive and must be done with great precision. To solve this, we developed the ‘PlantSampler’ robot, which can automatically cut leaves 24/7 with high accuracy.

The robot consistently takes the exact piece of leaf and puts it in the correct tube for DNA analysis, reducing labour. “The greatest benefit for plant breeders is the precision of the cuts,” Van de Zedde emphasizes. “People can make mistakes, but this robot works day and night without error.” 

For the horticultural sector, WUR and TTA-ISO developed a robot that automatically cuts and plants cuttings from potted roses. “Cameras create 3D images of the plants. The software analyses these images, identifying where the leaves are and how the robot can best reach them, then provides the 3D coordinates to the robot. This allows the robot to know exactly where to cut. The ‘Cutting and Planting 1800’ pot rose cutting robot from TTA-ISO is designed to reduce labour requirements.”

TTA-ISO is a merger of ISO Horti Innovators and TTA, which joined forces in 2025, Van de Zedde explains. “We started our research collaboration ten years ago with ISO Horti Innovators. They have grown rapidly in recent years and have now fully internalised the 3D technology knowledge we developed. WUR transferred this knowledge through software libraries.”

Van de Zedde considers this knowledge transfer to be a positive development. “WUR is a knowledge institute and developed the software. TTA-ISO can now take it further. An agreement stipulates that TTA-ISO gains access to the technology, while part of the revenue from robot sales flows back to WUR. In addition, WUR can collaborate with companies in other sectors to develop new applications for 3D technology.”

The collaboration initiated by TTA-ISO with WUR is now producing tangible results, Van de Zedde observes. “They are already selling hundreds of robots. They can fully develop and install these systems in-house. Thanks to their investment in research, they now offer robotic solutions that the horticultural sector is ready for. Growers are willing to invest in robots on a large scale to save on labour.”

For WUR, this research project has resulted in various scientific publications as well as increased European research collaboration. Van de Zedde says: “The long-term, intensive collaboration with TTA-ISO has given us a strong track record. We have been able to demonstrate that our technology is truly robust. As a result, we are now seen as an attractive partner within the European research landscape.”

TTA-ISO recently commissioned WUR once again for a research project focusing on plant knowledge, Van de Zedde continues: “TTA-ISO has been working for ten years on developing a robot to graft tomato plants. Growers do not yet have sufficient confidence in automated grafting. That is why TTA-ISO asked WUR to investigate the impact of this robot on the growth of grafted tomato plants.”