Naïo, Strube and Fraunhofer partner in robotics

German breeder Strube D&S GmbH, the Fraunhofer Development Center X-ray Technology EZRT and Naïo Technologies announced a new partnership. Their goal is to create a sustainable agriculture through innovation.

Precision farming and robotics

This is the next step for Strube in the announced company strategy called VisionBlue. “Strube, as a responsible supplier of the sugar-beet value chain, has decided to develop progress not only in breeding but also in new methods of beet cultivation. We are convinced that precision farming and robotics will play an important role to face the challenges of tomorrow”, said Martin Reisige, managing director from Strube D&S.

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A Naïo Technologies phenotyping robot in a sugar beet field. The cooperation with Strube is to result in a robotic mechanical weeding solution for beet fields. – Photo: Naïo Technologies

Robotic mechanical weeding solution for beets

By signing this partnership with Strube, Naïo Technologies shares its expertise in agricultural robotisation, serving a new crop, that of sugar beet. “Based on our respected experience gained on vegetable and wine, we are delighted to use now our expertise for new type of cultures. Our cooperation with Strube will result with a robotic mechanical weeding solution for their beets’ fields”, explains Aymeric Barthes, CEO of Naïo Technologies.

The long-term cooperation between Fraunhofer EZRT and Strube has led to a development of a wide variety of systems for sugar beet research. “We are pleased to contribute our extensive competencies in the fields of cognitive sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to this important and future-oriented research field,” explains Prof. Dr. Randolf Hanke, Divisional Director of Fraunhofer EZRT.

This collaboration highlights a common desire to adapt to the new weeding methods. The first outputs of this partnership will be presented in upcoming months.