Biobest Launches Polly Robot for Tomato Pollination
The autonomous robot uses targeted air bursts to optimize pollination in commercial tomato greenhouses.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Robotics
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Biobest has introduced the Polly robot to assist commercial tomato growers by autonomously pollinating flowers. The technology aims to ensure consistent pollination even when high temperatures hinder traditional bumblebee activity.
Why it matters
The robot helps growers maintain productivity by bridging the pollination gap during extreme weather, which is known to reduce bumblebee efficiency. By ensuring consistent fruit set, the technology allows farmers to better protect their crop yields and operational profitability.
Each Polly robot covers one hectare of greenhouse space using integrated cameras and image recognition to identify flowers. The system delivers controlled air bursts to stimulate pollen release, functioning autonomously after being positioned by growers.
The players
Biobest
An international company specializing in biological crop protection and pollination solutions for the greenhouse industry.
Arugga AI Farming
A technology firm focused on developing autonomous solutions and artificial intelligence for agricultural applications.
The details
Developed through a five-year partnership between Biobest and Arugga AI Farming, the robot was tested extensively in Europe and North America. It provides an automated alternative to natural pollination, particularly when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius, the point at which bumblebee performance declines.
Timeline
Development and testing occurred between 2021 and 2026.
The Polly robot was officially introduced to the market on October 27, 2026.
The Tech Race
The introduction of the Polly robot marks a departure from total reliance on traditional biological pollinators during climate-challenged growing seasons. It signals a shift toward augmenting greenhouse infrastructure with autonomous precision tools to maintain yields as environmental stressors rise.
Tomato growers can now utilize 12-month leasing agreements or direct purchase options to integrate this technology into their daily operations. The system is designed for ease of use, requiring staff only to place the robot in the starting row each morning to initiate its autonomous cycle.
The takeaway
Automating pollination provides a reliable safety net for tomato crops when rising temperatures reduce the effectiveness of natural pollinators. Farmers should evaluate whether their specific greenhouse environment and temperature exposure warrant the investment in robotic assistance to secure consistent annual yields.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of autonomous agricultural technology, see our Robotics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Horti Daily.
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