New autonomous technology helps tomato growers improve pollination and increase yields
Tomato growers are gaining access to a new technology designed to improve pollination and support higher yields in greenhouse production. Polly, an autonomous pollination robot developed through a collaboration between agricultural technology companies, is now available to help growers maintain consistent pollination throughout the growing season.
The robot was developed and tested for over five years in commercial greenhouses across Europe and North America. The goal was to create a reliable system that works alongside natural pollination methods while helping growers overcome environmental challenges that can affect crop performance.
“Arugga’s pollination robots are designed to work alongside bumblebees,” said Jorden van de Walle, Product Manager for Pollination at Biobest. “They provide an additional layer of pollination security, helping maintain consistent pollination even when environmental conditions limit bumblebee activity. At the same time, they can enhance overall pollination performance, helping growers maximise their yield potential and improve profitability.”
Pollination plays a key role in tomato production. Although tomato plants are self-pollinating, successful fruit development depends on pollen being released and transferred efficiently within the flower. During periods of low light, extreme heat, or other environmental stress, pollination rates can decline, leading to reduced yields and lower crop quality.
Polly addresses this challenge using advanced cameras and intelligent image-recognition technology. The system scans tomato flowers and identifies those that are ready for pollination. It then releases carefully controlled bursts of air that stimulate pollen movement and encourage fruit set.
The technology is designed to complement bumblebee pollination rather than replace it. Bumblebees remain highly effective for pollinators in greenhouse systems, but their activity can be affected by environmental conditions. During winter months, factors such as shorter days, lower light levels, energy-saving screens, and supplemental lighting can reduce pollination efficiency. During summer, very high temperatures can also limit bee activity.
By continuing to pollinate during these difficult periods, the robot helps maintain more stable pollination rates. This added layer of support gives growers greater confidence that crops will continue developing even when environmental conditions become less favorable.
Field trials have produced encouraging results. Testing showed yield increases ranging from 2% to 6%, demonstrating the potential value of the technology. Even relatively small yield improvements can have a meaningful impact on greenhouse profitability, particularly in large-scale commercial operations.
Several recent advancements have improved the system's commercial readiness. Increased operating speed now allows a single robot to cover as much as one hectare of greenhouse space. In addition, the introduction of a fully autonomous base allows the machine to work independently throughout the day. Growers simply place the robot at the beginning of a greenhouse row, and it continues pollinating with minimal supervision.
Automation is becoming increasingly important in modern greenhouse production. Labor shortages, increasing production costs, and the need for consistent crop performance are driving interest in technologies that improve efficiency while maintaining crop quality. Pollination robots represent one example of how automation can support growers in meeting these challenges.
The new technology also offers flexibility for greenhouse businesses of different sizes. Growers can access the robot through leasing programs that include maintenance, warranty coverage, technical support, and replacement parts. Purchase options are also available for operations seeking a long-term investment in automated pollination.
As controlled-environment agriculture continues to expand, technologies that improve reliability and productivity are attracting growing attention. Pollination support systems such as Polly may help tomato producers maximize yields, reduce production risks, and improve overall greenhouse performance.
For tomato growers looking to increase efficiency and maintain consistent pollination throughout the year, robotic pollination technology offers a new tool that can work alongside existing production practices while helping farms remain productive and profitable.
Photo Credit: BIOBEST-Polly pollination robot