As greenhouse growers look for smarter, more efficient ways to scale their operations, Bold Robotics is focusing on adaptable and grower-focused automation.
"Every greenhouse is different — and that's exactly how we approach every project," says Bill VandenOever of Bold Robotics. "There's no one-size-fits-all in this space. Crop type, container sizes, packaging, space constraints — we look at everything."
Their approach centers on building adaptable systems that can scale with the grower. Whether a small family farm or a vast commercial greenhouse, their modular technology ensures growers can start small and expand over time.
"We reuse existing technologies wherever possible," he adds. "So while it might look like a custom solution, often it's an adaptation of proven systems we've already deployed. That's how we make automation more accessible to smaller farms too."
"Ensuring that our machines are being used properly is critical," he elaborates. "We begin with on-site training during installation, and then stay connected, often through a group chat, to support operators through the early stages."
To streamline support and minimize downtime, Bold Robotics includes remote access capabilities as a standard feature. "It allows us to diagnose and resolve issues in real time. And during those critical peak seasons, our team is always responsive."
© Bold Robotics
On display at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference
Bold Robotics will be showcasing its Transplanting Robot using the 4X platform: a solution that's already drawing attention for its versatility.
"We're excited to engage directly with growers, and show how our transplanting technology can be adapted to different crops and container sizes," Bill says. "This isn't just about seeing a robot move. It's about understanding how automation can solve real pain points in your operation."
He says that visitors to the Bold booth can expect friendly, engaging conversations with experts ready to listen and help. "We're growers at heart. We're here to talk about what's working, what's not, and where automation can make a real impact."
© Bold Robotics
Automation is just getting started
Looking ahead, he sees automation reshaping the greenhouse workforce in the next 5–10 years.
"We will have less reliance on manual labor, and become more focus on skilled work. Automation will drive efficiency, but it will also elevate the roles of greenhouse workers," he explains.
Bold is also exploring AI and machine learning to enhance decision-making in greenhouse operations. "AI is still developing, but we're already investigating how to best integrate it into our systems — from predictive maintenance to crop-specific adjustments."
© Bold Robotics
Grower-led innovation
Perhaps most compelling is Bold's grower-driven R&D model. Instead of working primarily with research institutions, Bold prefers to work directly with greenhouse operators.
"We're constantly visiting growers, asking questions, observing. Most of our solutions come directly from these conversations. Growers tell us what hurts, and we build solutions to solve those problems."
A prime example is the Irrigation Boom Controller project with Linwell Gardens, where Bold is developing a system to automate irrigation decisions based on VPD sensor data. "The upgraded interface will save the team time and help them irrigate more accurately, which is a great example of tech responding to a real need."
© Bold Robotics
Lessons from a 5-mile conveyor belt
One of Bold's standout projects, a 5-mile-long conveyor belt network for a large-scale flower grower, shows the company's ability to scale big and think modular.
"From the first phase back in 2021, we learned how crucial it is to plan for modularity," Bill says. "In 2024, expanding the system was seamless, as we just added what was needed without disrupting existing operations. That's the power of a fully scalable PLC system."
© Bold Robotics
Engineering for usability
Bill shares that behind every Bold machine is a philosophy of user-centered design. He indicates to the color-coded touchscreen interfaces as a prime example.
"If it takes time to decipher, operators get frustrated. So we make it visual, intuitive, and fast. Color-coding makes it easy to spot what's happening and it's a language anyone can understand."
For growers hesitant about robotics, he advises to start small. "Automation doesn't have to be all or nothing. Choose one process that's repetitive or labor-intensive and see how it goes. We'll guide you through it, and the results often speak for themselves."
"Automation should never be about forcing change. It's about helping growers do what they do best — better, faster, and with less stress. That's the future we're building toward."
Don't miss their Thursday Canadian Greenhouse Conference session with Sunrise Greenhouses on the challenges and benefits of automation in floriculture.
For more information:
BOLD Robotics
www.boldrs.com
