VDL Groep and VBTI: collaborating around ‘smart, self-learning’ technology

Industrial family business VDL Groep takes an important step in the field of artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence, AI). By collaborating with Eindhoven-based VBTI, VDL will more actively implement deep learning technology in processes, systems, and production. VDL Groep takes a minority stake in the AI specialist.

By learning from large amounts of data, deep learning algorithms become smarter and better. The AI technology of VBTI collects many images with camera systems, and with this data, for example, the harvest moment of asparagus can be determined or the harvest forecast of strawberries can be predicted. This makes important and efficient steps towards sustainable enhancement of our food system, which still often requires manual labour at present.

Accelerate

Chief Executive Officer Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “With, among others, combinations of mechanics, electronics and software, we offer our customers added value with our high-quality products and services. Automation increasingly provides support. We see VBTI as an important partner to accelerate in this context, particularly in the fields of visual technology and AI”.

Growth

Founder Albert van Breemen of VBTI: “With this strategic collaboration with VDL, we can accelerate our growth.” VBTI is developing its own platform that integrates deep learning technology into applications to optimise visual inspection tasks and automate production lines. Algorithms determine the most efficient way to carry out production tasks, from folding a box to operating a complete assembly line.

Leaf harvesting robot

VDL Cropteq Robotics has developed and manufactured a platform for an agricultural robot, CropTeq. The first version is a robot that cuts the leaves from cucumber plants, combining vision technology, robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and knowledge from agriculture and horticulture. The robot is equipped with technology from VBTI. “Cucumber plants are never the same,” explains Van Breemen. “By learning from data, our algorithm precisely indicates where and when leaves from cucumber plants should be cut. Moreover, the algorithm adapts to a changing environment, ensuring the robot always performs optimally regardless of the greenhouse, season, or plant variety.”

"The scientific and at the same time practical approach of VBTI accelerates our development," states Director Harrie Schonewille of VDL Cropteq Robotics. "In a complex environment like a greenhouse, with a lot of crop variation, collaborating with the specialists from VBTI is very important to us. With VBTI's deep learning platform, we can accelerate our developments."

Through the strategic collaboration between VDL and VBTI, VBTI's smart, self-learning technology will be deployed more broadly within VDL than solely in the VDL Foodtech cluster. This could include, for example, predicting when maintenance work on machines needs to be carried out, early detection of potential irregularities in production processes, or streamlining inventory management to prevent shortages proactively.

About VBTI

VBTI is an AI engineering company founded in 2019. The company develops deep learning technology to make machines and processes smarter, including applications in agriculture and manufacturing. Its headquarters is located in Eindhoven. The growing VBTI team consists of more than 20 motivated professionals who use AI to solve engineering problems. VBTI also trains companies and knowledge institutions in the field of deep learning.

About VDL Groep

Strength through collaboration. That is the foundation of VDL Groep, the international industrial family business headquartered in Brainport Region Eindhoven. Founded in 1953, and now nearly 70 years later, the third generation of the Van der Leegte family has been at the helm since 2017. VDL Group employs over 15,000 people across 19 countries. The group comprises 106 subsidiaries, each with its own specialty, working closely together.

The activities of these companies can be summarized in the 'five worlds of VDL': Science, Technology & Health, Mobility, Energy & Sustainability, Infratech and Foodtech. The combined annual turnover in 2021 of VDL Groep was €4.995 billion.