Cultivators, Vertify and World Horti Center continue ‘Cultivation for Compounds’
On Tuesday, December 9, World Horti Center officially opened its ninth theme square: Robotics & AI. Digital host Cassie, an AI‑powered presenter, welcomed more than eighty attendees and interviewed several partners involved in the development of the square. The Robotics & AI theme square showcases how humans and robots work together to build a future‑proof horticultural sector.
Robotics in today’s sector
The horticultural industry faces major challenges, including a growing labor shortage, rising costs, and the demand for sustainable, efficient cultivation systems. Robotics and AI play a key role in making the sector future‑ready. “We see that many growers are already using more robotics than they realize,” says Jim Koop, Creative Manager at World Horti Center. “With our new Robotics & AI theme square, we offer clarity, inspiration and practical guidance. Visitors to our square not only see what’s technically possible, but especially what is already within reach today.”
From insight to action: where do you stand as a grower?
At the new Robotics & AI Square, growers and entrepreneurs can discover where they currently stand, which steps make sense in their digitalisation process and which solutions are already directly applicable. The square offers an overview of existing systems, innovative applications and the organisations that can support growers in this journey. Leading companies such as Source, Lencon and Festo have joined the new theme square. These companies provide technology, practical cases and expertise that give visitors immediate insight into the possibilities of modern robotics in horticulture.
Strong connection with education
Educational institutions MBO Westland, Inholland and ISW actively integrate the square into their curricula, allowing pupils and students to become familiar with robotics, data and AI at an early stage. “Technology is becoming more complex and less tangible with AI and robotics,” says Serge de Beer of the Greenport Horti Campus Katapult Programme, a partner in the square. “This requires new skills that evolve quickly. Preparing students for this is essential, and a square like this helps to make that possible.”
Collaborating to stay ahead
The Dutch horticultural sector is known worldwide for its innovative strength. With the Robotics & AI square, World Horti Center brings together education, research, government and entrepreneurs to maintain that leading position. An innovation ecosystem is actively being built in which these parties reinforce one another. “We are pleased with the close collaboration with Robocrops and NXTGEN Hightech, who have invested a great deal of time and valuable expertise in the development of the square,” says Jim Koop. “Together with them, we ensure the square continues to evolve, remains attractive to visitors and contributes to the innovation ecosystem.”
