Inaho Harvesting Robot Transforms Tomato Farming in the Netherlands

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• The robot has been undergoing trials in Dutch greenhouse operations since May 2023, specifically targeting “snack” or loose cherry-tomatoes, and the collaborating grower started paying for robot performance from November 2023.
• Significant performance improvements: in the June-July 2024 trial the machine doubled its harvesting speed compared to the previous year, thanks to a new chip, improved camera and AI software.
• Accuracy and fit enhancements: improved image recognition reduced errors (such as picking green fruit or dropping tomatoes), and the robot body has been slimmed by approx. 17% to better navigate greenhouse lanes without damaging plants.
• A business model shift: The robot is offered under a “Robot-as-a-Service” (RaaS) scheme (no large upfront cost) and has been shown to cut labour demand by over 45% in trials making automation more accessible to growers.

Inaho has introduced a breakthrough in tomato farming with its advanced harvesting robot now operating in the Netherlands. The innovation focuses on snack tomato production, where specific plant features such as Dormaplum trusses make it easier for the robot to locate and harvest fruits accurately. 

Longer lasting fruits that can remain on the truss slightly longer also enhance efficiency, allowing complete truss harvesting in fewer visits. A modest increase in fruit weight, achieved through selective breeding or truss pruning, further boosts productivity by increasing the kilograms picked per hour.

The use of the Qlipr system, which replaces traditional plant twisting, offers another advantage by positioning more trusses clearly in front of the stem, making them easier for the robot to access. This small design change significantly improves the robot’s precision and speed during operation.

The wider impact of Inaho’s work goes beyond individual farms. With the global population rising and food demand surging, technologies like automated harvesters could become vital in maintaining stable food supply chains. 

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They promise higher efficiency, reduced labour dependency, and lower waste levels. In addition, automation supports sustainable farming by encouraging precision practices that optimise energy, water, and fertiliser use while reducing environmental strain.

Inaho commitment to refining its robot technology through strategic partnerships and continuous improvement highlights its leadership in the agritech sector. 

The company’s focus on practical innovation is helping redefine how high-value crops are grown and harvested. As the technology advances, further progress in robotic harvesting seems inevitable, pointing towards a future where efficiency, sustainability, and productivity align more closely than ever before in modern agriculture.