The issue, stemming from broccoli grower Verschuren Broccoli, concerns the development of an advanced and versatile automated processing line for broccoli, with the ambition to extend this technology to other types of vegetables in the future. The project is being carried out in collaboration with partners from the Flanders–Netherlands Border Region, including VBTI Consultancy, Brom Mechatronica, Verschuren Broccoli, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, and Vives University College.
Purpose
A critical objective of the project is to automate the current manual processes at the Verschuren Broccoli sorting line.
Solution
The processing line developed is designed to replace 80% of manual work in the first year following implementation, with the aim of increasing this percentage to 95% in the second year. This will be achieved through continuous learning and adaptation of the processing line, utilising an AI Cloud Platform developed by VBTI Consultancy. Fontys University of Applied Sciences and Vives University of Applied Sciences play a crucial role in the development and application of synthetic and crop data, which is essential for training and refining the AI models. The project aims not only to increase productivity in the agricultural sector, but also to create economic and social added value in the Flanders–Netherlands border region.
