Rose-Nursery AI-Robot

A research project for designing-out fungicides

EIP Project

Rose-Nursery AI-Robot

The use of chemical crop protection harms sustainability by disrupting ecosystems and fostering resistance in pathogens. To address this, we joined a multi-year EU-funded research-project. We explore how AI can reduce reliance on chemical crop protection while supporting the development of biological alternatives.

AI-Powered precision disease detection

Currently, fungal disease detection in rose nurseries is manual, labor-intensive and typically results in widespread fungicide use to prevent disease spread.
To address this, we are collaborating with our project partners Mythronics, Compas Agro, and Frank Coenders Nurseries to develop an autonomous robot using AI-powered image recognition. This technology will detect diseases like powdery and downy mildew early and enable precise, targeted treatments.

Detecting mildew before it spreads

The robot is equipped with cameras and lights for gathering images. It facilitates AI to rapidly analyze these images to detect subtle disease signs before visible symptoms appear.
By automating disease detection and using AI and GPS to map weak spots, treatments become targeted, and it also helps Compas Agro test biostimulants for healthier, more resilient plants.

A collaborative and systemic project for a sustainable future

In collaboration with our project partners, we are carrying out this project between 2024 and 2026, iteratively working from training an AI database to a working autonomous system by the end of the project. By combining an autonomous driving robot, AI and eco-sustainable preventative treatments, we are taking a significant step towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly future for agriculture.
This project is supported by the Horst aan de Maas Tree Cultivation Study Club and is funded through the European Innovation Partnership (EIP).