VDL Groep has announced the acquisition of Crux Agribotics, a family-owned industrial company based in Eindhoven. Crux Agribotics has 60 employees.

As part of VDL Groep, the robot packaging developer will be in a position to scale up faster internationally when it comes to the production, assembly, and delivery of automated sorting and packaging lines. This will allow the company to further expand its market position into greenhouse-related robotisation solutions.

A Crux employee at a sorting and packing line for tomatoes.

Crux’s ‘smart robot’ uses data and AI (artificial intelligence) to classify, sort, and pack fruit and vegetables. In the process, Crux is also contributing to the automation of global fruit and vegetable horticulture. Robotisation is helping growers save on labour costs and reduce food waste. The data generated is also analysed to further optimise the cultivation process.

‘Long-term vision is at the core’
“We are proud that Crux Agribotics is joining the VDL family,” said Richard Vialle, Co-founder of Kind Technologies, the parent company of Crux Agribotics. “As a leading and innovative AgTech company, Crux Agribotics is working to ensure that, through the use of high-tech systems, more food can be produced more safely per square metre with a smaller footprint while using fewer resources and generating less waste. It’s great that the Eindhoven-based Crux is now joining the family-owned company in the region, where a long-term vision is at the core of its DNA.”

Acceleration
Willem van der Leegte, President & CEO of VDL Groep, says: “We offer our customers added value through our high-quality products and services that leverage a combination of technologies, such as mechanics, electronics, and software. Automation, visual technology, and AI are providing more and more support here. The expertise of our new colleagues at Crux Agribotics will be invaluable in accelerating further automation in greenhouse construction. Moreover, Crux’s knowledge ties in nicely with that of VDL Cropteq Robotics, our platform for an agricultural robot that trims leaves from cucumber plants, combining visual technology, robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and knowledge from agriculture and horticulture.”

Innovating and making the food chain more sustainable
The VDL companies in Foodtech are modernising the food chain and making it more sustainable. Technology is key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Robotics and precision technology are making food production more profitable and sustainable. Our modern machinery and highly trained professionals allow us to supply machines and systems to the global food processing industry. This means our customers can stand out with innovative solutions and reduce their production costs while also taking care of the environment and society.