Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Can AI replace seed potato rogueing crews? Three Dutch robots take the next step
In a significant advancement for seed potato production, three Dutch manufacturers are currently testing AI-powered rogueing robots designed to remove diseased and off-type plants, a task known for its labor intensity. The field demonstrations took place recently, showcasing the robots' capabilities in commercial settings. While the technology is still in its developmental stages, initial observations indicate promising potential for improving efficiency in the agricultural sector. Future Farming attended these demonstrations to assess the robots' performance and gather insights on their impact on the industry.
Smart farming Potato rogueing
Eating fried potatoes three times a week increases diabetes risk by 20%, study finds.
Researchers from Harvard University and the University of Cambridge have conducted a study examining the impact of potato consumption and cooking methods on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The findings will be published in the British Medical Journal (The BMJ) in September 2025. This research draws on data from three cohort studies conducted in the United States, alongside a meta-analysis of prospective cohorts, to assess how different levels of potato intake may influence diabetes risk. The motivation behind this study stems from the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the need to understand dietary factors that could mitigate this health issue. By analyzing various preparation methods and consumption patterns, the researchers aim to provide insights that could inform dietary guidelines and public health recommendations.
Flikweert expands capacity of optical sorting robot QualityGrader
Flikweert Vision is set to launch its innovative QualityGrader in July, offering two working widths of 1 and 1.5 meters. This advanced optical sorting robot features a second ejection unit, enabling it to efficiently separate rejected potatoes or onions into two distinct streams. The introduction of this technology aims to enhance sorting accuracy and streamline the processing of agricultural products, addressing the growing demand for quality control in the food industry.
Smart farming automation field robots onions optical sorters potatoes
Seed potato grower cuts labour with optical sorting
Jensma Agro, a Dutch seed potato grower, has expanded its use of camera-based sorting technology by installing two optical quality sorters in its storage facility. This innovative move aims to automate the grading process and reduce labor requirements. The implementation reflects a growing trend in the agricultural sector, where the adoption of robots equipped with camera recognition is increasingly moving beyond field operations to storage and processing environments. The shift is attributed to the simpler conditions and higher throughput found in these facilities, which offer a clear and short return on investment.
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