Randwijk buzzing with activity
On Wednesday 13 August 2025, around 600 visitors gathered at the Fruit Research Centre in Randwijk. Despite the heat, the day was filled with technology, growers and future-focused plans. Visitors explored innovations up close, exchanged knowledge and reconnected with colleagues. At the heart of the event was the business fair, where organizations from across the sector showcased their work. From there, visitors could join guided tours, starting every 15 minutes, each highlighting a different theme.
“The spin-off from the Bin Shuttle demo was overwhelming, especially thanks to the video recording and the groups on site. It really gave a strong impression of its potential in the orchard.”
Henri from Use Case 5: Apple Picking Robot
Innovations transforming the orchard
The demonstrations by UC5 and UC7 were the highlights of the day. The Bin Shuttle for crate logistics stole the spotlight, both during the event and afterwards on social media, where the footage was widely shared. The Vision Spray – VariMAS Sprayer also received enthusiastic responses. Both technologies are part of NXTGEN Hightech’s development of autonomous systems and illustrate how fruit growing is steadily moving toward handsfree operations.
Dashboard receives valuable feedback
At the NXTGEN stand, visitors had the chance to test the interactive dashboard for the first time. The feedback was concrete and practical – from suggestions for new data connections to the wish to track fruit growth in real time. It underlines how crucial grower input is for further development.
“The facilities were excellent, with good food, drinks and ice cream to cool down. We had a great spot in the tour program.”
Bert Rijk from Use Case 7: Handsfree Orchards
Randwijk as a testing ground for the future
As a test location within Innovation Package 1 Open Cultivation, Randwijk offers a unique place where research, technology and growers come together. It is where innovations are not only presented but also tested and validated under real-world conditions.
Click here for more information about our Randwijk test location >
Working together on handsfree fruit growing
For NXTGEN Hightech, the open day was more than just an event. It showcased the strength of the ecosystem when knowledge, technology and practice come together. The positive feedback gives confidence that the step toward a future-proof and handsfree fruit sector is moving ever closer.
Test locations
Testing as if it were already reality
Within NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood, innovations are not only designed but thoroughly tested under real-world conditions. In the innovation packages Open Cultivation, Greenhouse Horticulture and Food Processing, technologies are validated in environments that mirror daily practice as closely as possible. This way we improve innovations, make them more targeted and prepare them for practical application. Discover the nine test locations of Handsfree Agrifood.