Robotic imaging systems for plant monitoring and phenotyping in nurseries
A cost-effective robotic imaging platform captures RGB, fluorescence, and thermal data to monitor plant growth, health, and stress in nurseries. Using machine learning, it identifies atypical seedlings, enhancing disease detection and phenotyping accuracy.
Overview
The plant monitoring and phenotyping solution leverages a mobile robotics platform equipped with cost-effective imaging systems to enhance nursery management. By capturing RGB, fluorescence, and thermal data, this technology provides comprehensive insights into the growth, health, and stress levels of developing seedlings and plantlets. The use of photogrammetry and machine learning enables precise tracking and modeling of individual plants, allowing for early identification of atypical phenotypes, stress, or disease before visible symptoms arise. This approach is pivotal for optimizing plant health and ensuring robust development in nursery environments.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Overhead robotic imaging captures RGB, fluorescence, and thermal data during both day and night to optimize lighting conditions.
- Photogrammetry and machine learning algorithms generate 3D models and analyze plant development.
- Early detection of plant stress and diseases through chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic photon efficiency measurements.
- System adaptable to different plant species and nursery conditions, with data accessible via a user-friendly webpage.
- Prototype developed and validated for Pinus radiata embryos under controlled conditions.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, the system has been tested under laboratory conditions and will undergo further validation in a research nursery environment. Future plans include deploying and adapting the technology to commercial greenhouses to accommodate local environmental variables and different plant species.
About Scion Research
Scion was a New Zealand Crown Research Institute in Rotorua; on July 1, 2025 it became a group within the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science. Its 114‑hectare Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park campus co‑locates advanced labs with 40+ tenant organisations, enabling daily collaboration with industry and government. On‑site facilities support progression from lab to pilot and demonstration, with partnering models that connect researchers, mana whenua and regional supply chains. Research is backed by competitive national funding administered by MBIE, including the Strategic Science Investment Fund and Endeavour Fund, alongside industry contracts. Commercialisation is supported by dedicated teams that manage IP, licensing and partnerships.
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