Ridder introduces user-friendly app at GreenTech 2024

New app for the Ridder climate computer: fast and user-friendly

Sander Baraké, responsible for Product Development at Ridder, explains the new app: "Our app is fast, clear, and provides insight into your greenhouse at any time and any place. Whether you are in the greenhouse or on the go, you are in control 24/7 regarding climate or irrigation, for example. You can follow up on notifications and alarms remotely." Joost Veenman, Strategic Product Manager and closely involved in the development, adds: "The app works intuitively, with clear graphs, and meets all safety requirements. I invite everyone to experience the app themselves during the trade show. Additionally, the user interface of our climate computer has also received a makeover, which can be seen at our booth."

Ridder SmartDrive and Ridder Poly Drive

Vincent Hoveling, Product Developer Drives, explains: "During the exhibition, we will highlight the Ridder SmartDrive and the Ridder Poly Drive. The SmartDrive simplifies and speeds up the installation process of air and screen motors in greenhouses. For greenhouse builders or installers, installation time can be reduced by at least 75% thanks to Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone app. Settings can be transferred via Bluetooth from one motor to another. The integrated digital position feedback accurately determines window or screen positions, contributing to the ideal greenhouse climate."

Hoveling continues: "For foil greenhouses, we recommend the Ridder Poly Drive: affordable, clear, and installation-friendly, suitable for all types of foil greenhouses. An important USP is that all types of screen and ventilation systems can be driven with one type of gearbox."

Screens for optimal year-round greenhouse climate

Ridder's screens, produced in the Netherlands, help growers create the right greenhouse climate, protect the crop from high solar radiation, keep out the cold to save energy, or keep out light to darken or keep it inside during lighting if desired.

"For this trade show, we have selected several screens that are leaders in energy saving, sun shading, and darkening. During the exhibition, my colleagues and I will be happy to tell you more about them," says Arjan van der Klaauw.

Optimal control with FertiMix and VitaLite

Also on display at the exhibition are the FertiMix and VitaLite. The products are mainly characterized by their scalability, providing the right solution for every grower.

The FertiMix is a versatile, automated dosing system for irrigation and fertilization, ensuring optimal crop quality and growth. The VitaLite makes effective water recirculation possible using ultraviolet light, which eliminates bacteria, fungi, and pathogens. These units are suitable for crops with recirculation, to safely recirculate water and reduce fertilizer consumption. VitaLite meets the highest safety standards, as demonstrated by an independent test on its effectiveness against ToBRFV.

Tomato picking robot GRoW in the robot dome

In the robot dome, Ridder, together with MetoMotion, presents the dual-arm tomato harvesting robot GRoW, which quickly and precisely harvests truss tomatoes. This robot is designed to reduce harvesting costs, improve picking quality, and reduce dependence on labor. In addition to picking, the handling of tomatoes on the vine is also automated; they are placed in crates and on corresponding harvest trolley.

Boy de Nijs, Product Manager Labour & Robotics, adds: "In the field of labor and productivity, we are increasingly integrating data, providing the grower with even more insights into their processes across their entire business."

Intensive open collaborations for connected solutions

Through open and proactive collaboration with other technology companies, Ridder ensures quick and reliable new solutions for growers. Dionysis Tarnavas, Product Manager Digital: "With Ridder's API services, we integrate the climate computer with AI solutions from partners, helping our end customers achieve higher yields."

Source: