The gerbera sector is taking a big leap forward in automation and quality control with the GearStation Gerbera, an AI-powered vision solution that fully automates and integrates the quality assessment process directly into existing bunching machines. Developed by Gearbox, in close collaboration with LG Flowers, this smart system has already proven itself in daily production. Now, nine other gerbera growers are joining the movement, investing in the greenhouse of the future with this technology. It marks an exciting step in gerbera automation and lays the foundation for further innovation in years to come.
© Gearbox Innovations
GearStation Gerbera in practice
In September, nine gerbera growers visited LG Flowers, where the GearStation Gerbera is now fully integrated into the company's operations. As a key development partner, LG Flowers played an essential role in testing and refining the system and is enthusiastic about the results. The meeting was organized by Florpartners, who support and guide the group of growers in this innovation process. During the visit, growers learned from real-world experiences, gained insight into Gearbox's practical approach to system integration, and saw firsthand how the AI solution brings a sense of calm and efficiency to daily work on the packing floor.
Gamechanger in quality control
The GearStation Gerbera revolutionizes quality control by integrating AI-driven vision technology directly into existing bunching machines. Traditionally, quality checks were done manually—often slow, subjective, and labor-intensive. With the GearStation Gerbera, this process becomes fully automated and 100% objective, ensuring consistent results and freeing up valuable labor.
© Gearbox Innovations
Concrete benefits for growers
The system delivers tangible improvements across multiple areas. First, capacity increases significantly, as smart cameras and AI-driven assessments allow the machine to process up to 12,000 flowers per hour with minimal human intervention. Second, quality improves, with consistent and objective evaluation, the ability to sort into multiple quality classes, and automatic removal of waste stems—resulting in fewer quality claims and always perfectly counted bunches. Finally, the system provides valuable data insights, such as average flower characteristics, individual performance data (when linked with labor registration), and daily production statistics, giving growers better control over their operations.
Results at LG Flowers
As an early development partner, LG Flowers has fully integrated the GearStation Gerbera into its production process and is already seeing impressive results. "Quality checks are now much faster and more consistent," says Arnold van der Meulen, Quality Manager at LG Flowers. "This not only saves on labor costs but also ensures stable and predictable product quality. On top of that, the data generated by the GearStation Gerbera gives us new insights that help us further optimize our production process."
© Gearbox Innovations
Sector initiative
LG Flowers and nine other gerbera growers have joined forces to take the next step in automation together. The introduction of the GearStation Gerbera marks the start of this collective journey, with Florpartners supporting the growers in managing and implementing the innovation.
According to Thomas Wennekers, Sales Manager at Gearbox, "LG Flowers has shown real courage and vision in embracing new technology. The GearStation Gerbera is more than just a product, it's the foundation for a data-driven, automated future in the gerbera sector and beyond."
