The world of greenhouse horticulture is witnessing a meaningful transformation as aventec, under the leadership of founder John van de Ven, pioneers advanced automation in rose cutting. By strategically partnering with Festo, Aventec is integrating cutting-edge technologies to dramatically enhance the efficiency and precision of rose propagation. A key component in this revolution is Festo’s VTUX valve terminal, which is proving instrumental in streamlining the entire cutting process.

John van de Ven, an electrical engineer with extensive expertise in robotics and image processing, has focused his skills on modernizing the greenhouse horticulture sector.Initially approached to modernize existing machines used for cutting potted roses, van de Ven quickly realized that a more thorough solution was needed. The existing machinery was in dire need of maintenance, but a thorough assessment revealed that a complete overhaul and redesign would be more effective in the long run, leading van de Ven to embark on an ambitious progress journey.

Servo Technology and Vision Systems Drive Innovation

The decision to rebuild the machines from the ground up was driven by the need for reliability and longevity.To guarantee the continuity of these cutting machines, it was necessary to rebuild them with new components, explained van de Ven. Many of the parts used had reached the end of their service life. We then chose to redesign the machine with modern servo technology controlled from the festo CPX-E PLC platform,along with a modern vision system.

This redesign involved extensive reprogramming to create a fast and reliable machine capable of sustained production for years to come.To maintain better control over deliveries and ensure the future reliability of the machines,van de Ven made the strategic decision to manufacture them entirely in-house,ensuring quality control and minimizing reliance on external suppliers.

Cutting and Planting 5,200 Cuttings per Hour

While the core concept of cutting and planting cuttings might appear simple, the actual process is surprisingly intricate and demands precision.At the beginning of the automated line, rose branches are manually hung in a transport system. Each individual cutting is then carefully placed in a holder and transported to one of the processing cells. Once there,the cutting is precisely positioned for the vision system,which rotates it 180 degrees to create a detailed 3D scan. This scan is crucial as it identifies the optimal cutting points,allowing the robot to precisely cut the cutting to the ideal size before instantly planting it in a new pot.

This entire sequence of actions occurs with remarkable speed and accuracy. A complete machine, equipped with four cutting stations, can cut and plant up to 5,200 cuttings per hour, representing a significant increase in production efficiency and throughput for rose propagation.

‘The Most Exciting Part’

The collaboration with Festo proved to be a pivotal aspect of the machine’s development. They helped me from the beginning with the selection and integration of the various disciplines. The turning and cutting is the most exciting part, van de Ven noted. To see how we could achieve this with Festo components, we sent rose branches with the corresponding holders to Festo’s development center in Delft. A week later,I received a video from the team with an update on the results. I was surprised how far they had come in a week! We then built a test module with festo components and invited our customer to come and see it with their own eyes.

Each module with its Own PLC

Van de Ven emphasizes the importance of sourcing components from a single, reliable supplier whenever possible. Where possible, I use Festo. otherwise, you run the risk of suppliers pointing fingers at each other if something doesn’t work, and the end customer suffers. The modules now contain Festo linear guides and pneumatics, PLCs, an HMI, and valve terminals.We have now converted one complete machine and have it running with our newly developed modules. each module has its own PLC, because that computing power is needed for image processing. for the main control, we used an HMI and new valve terminals.

The continuous product development at Festo also played a crucial role. During the development of the machine, product development at Festo simply continued, allowing us to switch to their latest HMI. The work we had already done in the previous generation was surprisingly easy to convert to the new one. The platform has become much faster,and we have retained the structure.

Throughout the entire development process, van de Ven found Festo’s support to be invaluable. Festo thinks along

Robotic Rose Revolution: How Automation is Transforming greenhouse Horticulture

Did you know that a single automated system can plant over 5,000 rose cuttings per hour? This astonishing feat of engineering is reshaping the greenhouse horticulture industry, and we’re diving deep into the technology behind it.

Interviewer: Dr.Anya Sharma, welcome to World Today News. Your expertise in agricultural robotics and automation is highly regarded. Aventec’s innovative rose-cutting system, using festo technology, is making headlines. Can you explain the importance of this advancement for the horticulture sector?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. Aventec’s achievement is indeed groundbreaking. The advancements in precision robotics and automated systems for rose cutting represent a significant leap forward for greenhouse horticulture. This technology addresses several critical challenges faced by the industry: labor shortages, the need for increased efficiency and precision in rose propagation, and the demand for sustainably produced blooms. The ability to plant thousands of cuttings per hour significantly boosts productivity and reduces reliance on manual labor, a crucial factor given the increasing difficulty in finding skilled horticultural workers.

Interviewer: The article highlights the use of Festo’s VTUX valve terminal and CPX-E PLC platform. How do these components contribute to the system’s overall performance and reliability?

Dr. Sharma: The choice of festo components is strategic. Festo is a leader in industrial automation, known for its reliable and high-performance pneumatic and electromechanical systems. The VTUX valve terminal provides precise control of pneumatic actuators, crucial for the delicate manipulation of rose cuttings. The CPX-E PLC platform acts as the “brain” of the operation, integrating all the system components, coordinating the actions of robots, vision systems, and other machinery. This integrated system ensures smooth, synchronized operation, minimizing errors and maximizing throughput. This reliance on a single, reputable supplier like Festo also streamlines maintenance and troubleshooting, increasing overall system uptime.

Interviewer: The system employs servo technology and vision systems. What’s the role of these advanced technologies in achieving such high precision and speed?

Dr. Sharma: The combination of servo technology and advanced vision systems is key to the system’s accuracy and speed. Servo motors provide precise, controlled movement of the robotic arms, ensuring the rose cutting and planting process is executed with exacting precision.The vision system is critical; it uses 3D scanning to pinpoint the optimal cutting points on each rose branch, allowing for consistent cutting and efficient use of material. This eliminates the inconsistencies of manual cutting, leading to higher-quality cuttings and reduced waste—both environmentally and economically beneficial.

Interviewer: The article mentions the in-house manufacturing of the machines. What are the advantages of this approach for Aventec?

Dr.Sharma: Manufacturing the machines in-house offers Aventec several advantages. It allows them to maintain tighter control over quality, ensuring the precision and reliability essential for such an intricate automated system. In-house production also simplifies customization and allows for rapid response to any design improvements or emerging technological advancements. it reduces dependence on external suppliers, guaranteeing a smoother supply chain and minimizing delays.

Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the potential of this technology for other areas of horticulture or agriculture?

Dr. Sharma: The principles behind Aventec’s rose-cutting system are readily adaptable to other areas of horticulture and agriculture. Similar automated systems could be developed for the propagation and planting of other plants, including vegetables, herbs, and even seedlings of fruit trees. They are scalable to meet the needs of small-scale farms and large commercial operations. The adaptability in using servo technology,vision systems and pneumatic controls opens diverse applications in precision agriculture,helping to solve automation challenges within many crops.

Interviewer: What would be your final thoughts on Aventec’s accomplishment and the future of automation in greenhouse horticulture?

Dr. Sharma: Aventec’s rose-cutting system exemplifies the power of innovation in addressing critical challenges in agriculture. This kind of automation has the potential to transform greenhouse horticulture and contribute to a more efficient, enduring, and productive industry. Future developments will likely feature even more advanced AI-driven systems, further streamlining and optimizing the overall process. The advancements we are witnessing today are not just groundbreaking; they point to a future where automation and technology play a very significant role in feeding our growing global population.

Let’s discuss; share your thoughts on the future of automated systems in horticulture in the comments below!