Priva introduces the world's first fully automated leaf-cutting robot for tomato crops

Priva introduced Kompano on September the 28th during the GreenTech. The Kompano is the first robot on the market that can move around a greenhouse independently alongside employees. This makes 24/7 autonomous leaf cutting in horticulture a new reality. Implementing robotization is a major revolution in the horticultural market and addresses the global need for sustainable innovation with enormous potential.

Challenges in labor

Crop handling is an important part of the daily operations. The issues that growers are facing are getting more and more complex. Skilled and payable personnel have become scarcer, while the global demand for food continues to grow at an accelerating rate. Robotics provide a solution by increasing the continuity and predictability of daily operations, while keeping costs at a similar or even lower level.

Due to many variables, complexity and the continuously changing conditions in a greenhouse, growers demand intelligent and user-friendly technology combined with operational robustness and durability. Priva has, over the years, invested time, energy and money in the development of robotic innovations for horticulture.

After thorough research and development, and always in cooperation with our test growers in greenhouses, Kompano is now completely ready for use in the market.

Alternative for manual de-leafing

Kompano is designed to de-leaf tomato plants 24/7. It is the first robot, worldwide, that provides users with an economically viable alternative for de-leafing tomato crops by hand. Smart algorithms and a patented end-effector guarantee over 85% effectiveness at a weekly range of 1 hectare.

Kompano makes it easier for growers to manage their workforce. Kompano is easily controlled by a smart device and adjustable to users preferences and requirements. Kompano will operate perfectly alongside staff and take care of the more laborious tasks. Kompano offers support to train staff to operate the equipment and a comprehensive service program.

Co-creation

Priva has developed the Kompano in partnership with leading Dutch growers, technology partners and experts. Cooperation, patience, perseverance and intense involvement of growers proved to be essential: only users can truly assess the practical applicability of the robot.

Kompano has been tested in several greenhouses in the Netherlands. Priva and MTA in Helmond have developed the robot and made it ready for production. A series of 50 robots is in production at MTA. The first Kompano’s are delivered and in use by growers. In time, the Kompano line will be expanded to a leaf-cutting robot for cucumbers and harvesting robots for tomatoes and cucumbers.