Eternal and Rijk Zwaan Collaborate to Enhance Tomato Automation in ASEAN Greenhouses

A New Era of Greenhouse Automation in ASEAN: Eternal and Rijk Zwaan's Collaboration on Tomato Varieties \\[](https://example.com) \\[Source: eternal.ag] \\In a groundbreaking move, robotics firm Eternal and seed breeder Rijk Zwaan have joined forces to revolutionize the way tomatoes are grown in high-tech greenhouses. This collaboration is not just about improving crop yields; it's about creating a future where automation can seamlessly integrate with plant genetics, ensuring that greenhouse operations in Southeast Asia become more efficient and sustainable. \\### Addressing Labor Shortages with Advanced Technology \\Labor shortages are a significant challenge for greenhouse operations across the ASEAN region. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are increasingly turning to automation to maintain productivity and meet growing food demands. The partnership between Eternal and Rijk Zwaan is a step in the right direction, as it aims to identify and develop tomato varieties that are better suited for robotic harvesting and other automated tasks. \\### Key Focus Areas for the Collaboration \\The collaboration will focus on several key areas, including the identification of plant traits that enhance fruit accessibility and plant topologies that support consistent performance by robotic systems. By combining Rijk Zwaan’s extensive experience in fruit and vegetable breeding with Eternal’s expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence, the companies aim to create a synergy that will drive innovation in the agricultural sector. \\### Real-World Application and Future Vision \\As part of this initiative, Eternal’s Harvester robot will be demonstrated at Rijk Zwaan’s trial center in De Lier, the Netherlands, during the week of 8 June 2026. This demonstration will provide valuable insights into how these technologies can be applied in real-world settings, particularly in the context of ASEAN countries. \\### What This Means for ASEAN Factories \\For factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, this collaboration holds significant promise. By adopting these advanced technologies, they can address labor shortages, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a more predictable and scalable production process. This, in turn, will help them stay competitive in the global market and meet the increasing demand for high-quality produce. \\### Conclusion \\The partnership between Eternal and Rijk Zwaan represents a forward-thinking approach to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in the ASEAN region. By leveraging the latest in robotics and plant genetics, this collaboration has the potential to transform the way tomatoes are grown and harvested, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. For factory buyers, this means an opportunity to invest in cutting-edge technology that can significantly enhance their operations and contribute to long-term success. \\Share this: Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Related stories you might also like…