FRAVEBOT Scout joins the HORTIVEC project at PSKW

FRAVEBOT Scout is now part of the HORTIVEC innovation project at PSKW in Belgium. The collaboration focuses on developing advanced AI models for greenhouse pest and disease detection and validating next-generation navigation technology under real research-station conditions.

Since March, the FRAVEBOT Scout has been operating full-time at the PSKW research centre in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. Over this period we have been steadily improving our AI models for recognition of pests, diseases and new symptom classes across cucumber and tomato crops.

Recently, FRAVEBOT Scout also became part of the HORTIVEC project — a demonstration, meeting and experience centre focused on supporting the horticulture sector with the latest technologies. 

AI-Model Development – What We’re Working On

We have focused on the following specific detection modules:

• Powdery mildew in cucumbers

• Tuta absoluta in tomatoes

• Spider mite in tomatoes

• Tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersici)

These modules are trained using images collected by Scout, covering both leaf and fruit surfaces, under all kinds of greenhouse lighting and cropping conditions.

Next-Gen GPS RTK Deployment

We have just deployed a new GPS RTK system on Scout, enabling the robot to scan many compartments at PSKW without the need for floor lines or RFID tags. After an initial one-time configuration (driving each compartment and storing coordinates), Scout can autonomously navigate with precision using the RTK system.

This improvement significantly reduces installation time, restricts physical infrastructure in the greenhouse, and increases flexibility of deployment across compartments.