Case Studies on Robotic Grafting: Studies from India and Around the World

Introduction

Robotic grafting is an innovative technique that utilizes robotic systems to perform the grafting process in agriculture. This method has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance efficiency, precision, and scalability in grafting operations. In this blog, we will explore various case studies on robotic grafting from India and around the world, highlighting the advancements, challenges, and outcomes of these implementations.

Indian Case Studies

Robotic Grafting System for Tomato and Brinjal by IARI (New Delhi)

In India, a research team from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) developed a robotic grafting system specifically for tomato and brinjal plants. The robot was designed to perform the grafting process with high precision, reducing the time and labor required for manual grafting. The study demonstrated that the robotic system could achieve a success rate of over 90% in grafting, significantly improving the yield and quality of the crops.

Key Highlights:

Crop focus: Tomato and brinjal (eggplant)
Technology: Robotic arm with precision cutting and joining mechanisms
Outcomes: Increased grafting success rate, reduced labor costs, and improved crop yield
Challenges: Initial high cost of the robotic system and the need for technical expertise to operate and maintain the equipment
Future prospects: Potential for scaling up the technology for other crops and wider adoption in the agricultural sector

IIHR — Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (Bengaluru)

The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, pioneered India's first installation of a semi-automatic robotic grafting machine in the early 2010s. The machine, imported from Japan, was introduced for grafting tomato and brinjal seedlings under controlled environments. Research emphasized the standardization of rootstocks like Solanum torvum for brinjal and Capsicum rootstocks for peppers to combat bacterial wilt[1].

The IIHR has been an early centre for grafting research in India, initiating systematic studies on grafting for solanaceous crops and organizing training courses to transfer grafting technology to researchers and growers. IIHR's work includes identifying suitable rootstocks and protocols adapted to Indian crops and conditions.

Key Highlights:

Crop focus: Brinjal (eggplant), tomato, pepper, and other vegetables
Extension impact: IIHR organized early training and dissemination activities (short courses) that helped spread grafting knowledge across research stations and progressive nurseries in India
Current status: Grafting is still not widely adopted in India, but interest is growing, especially with the advent of mechanized grafting systems. IIHR continues to play a key role in research and training
Research findings: IIHR has published several studies on grafting techniques, rootstock-scion compatibility, and the effects of grafting on crop yield and quality. Their research has provided valuable insights into optimizing grafting practices for Indian conditions
Challenges: Limited availability of suitable rootstocks, lack of mechanization, and the need for more extensive field trials to demonstrate benefits under Indian conditions
Lessons: Scientific evaluation of rootstock × scion combinations before mechanization improves survival and performance. Research institutions like IIHR play a critical role in generating locally-relevant protocols that later feed into mechanized grafting adoption
Future prospects: With continued research and development, IIHR aims to expand the adoption of grafting techniques in India, particularly through mechanized systems that can enhance efficiency and scalability

CSKHPKV — CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (Palampur)

CSKHPKV has been actively involved in research on grafting techniques for various fruit and vegetable crops. The university has focused on developing protocols for successful grafting and has conducted training programs for farmers and extension workers.

Groundbreaking Research on Robotic Grafting

A landmark study by Sarswat et al. (2020)[2] at CSKHPKV tested robotic grafting technology on bell peppers using the Helper Robotech GR-600 CS robot during the 2018 growing season. This was one of India's first comprehensive field trials of automated grafting systems.

The Robot's Performance:

Speed: 600–700 grafts per hour (compared to 80–100 grafts/hour manually)
Accuracy: 90% success rate (compared to 60-80% with manual grafting)
Result: Dramatically higher efficiency and plant survival rates

What the Researchers Tested

The scientists used a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) — a scientific method that tests multiple variables simultaneously while ensuring reliable results through repetition. This approach allowed them to compare different combinations fairly.

Five rootstock varieties (disease-resistant pepper varieties used as the base):

PI-201232 (known for excellent disease resistance)
AVPP0205, Pant C-1, Surajmukhi, and PBC-631

Three age combinations (testing when seedlings should be grafted):

30-day-old seedlings (both rootstock and scion)
Mixed ages (30-day rootstock + 45-day scion)
45-day-old seedlings (both rootstock and scion)

The scion variety: 'Indra' bell pepper hybrid (the fruiting top portion)

The experiment tested 16 different combinations across field plots, with each combination repeated three times to ensure the results were reliable and not due to chance.

Key Results

Best Performing Combination: PI-201232 rootstock + 45-day-old seedlings

This combination delivered exceptional performance:

Faster Crop Growth:
- Flowered in ~36 days (10 days earlier than other combinations)
- First harvest at ~57 days (8-13 days earlier)
- Quicker time-to-market for farmers
Exceptional Yields:
- 14.4 tons per hectare vs. 3.5 tons for non-grafted plants
- 4x higher productivity from the same land area
- Average of 6 quality fruits per plant
- Consistent fruit size and quality
Superior Plant Health:
- Stronger, taller plants with robust stems
- Better disease resistance
- Extended 2-month harvest period
- Improved overall vigor and longevity

Practical Benefits for Farmers

This research demonstrates clear advantages of robotic grafting:

Higher Yields: 4x more production per hectare (14.4 tons vs. 3.5 tons)
Labor Efficiency: 1 robot replaces 8-10 skilled workers
Faster ROI: Crops ready 10-15 days earlier, allowing quicker market access
Consistency: 90% success rate vs. 60-80% with manual grafting
Quality: Uniform, disease-resistant plants with extended harvest periods

Recommended Practice

For optimal results in Indian field conditions:

Use 45-day-old seedlings for both rootstock and scion
Select PI-201232 or similar disease-resistant rootstock
Employ robotic grafting for consistency and scale
Expect 4x yield improvement over traditional methods[2]

TNAU — Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Coimbatore)

Following CSKHPKV, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) adopted the same semi-automatic robotic grafting technology for research and teaching. It now forms part of the postgraduate horticultural curriculum to train students in automated propagation systems. The robotic grafting precision is used to compare cleft and splice methods for solanaceous crops, improving mechanization literacy among new professionals.

Key Highlights:

Crop focus: Tomato, brinjal, and other vegetables
Educational impact: Integration of robotic grafting into the curriculum to train future horticulturists
Current status: Ongoing research and student training using the robotic grafting system
Future prospects: Expansion of research on robotic grafting techniques and their applications in various crops

OUAT — Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology

OUAT has also recognized the potential of robotic grafting technology and is in the process of integrating it into its research programs. The university aims to explore the use of robotic systems for grafting a variety of crops, focusing on improving efficiency and success rates.

The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) conducted extensive experiments from 2017–19 on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), integrating mechanized grafting protocols standardized under humid subtropical conditions. Although primarily manual early on, the system set the groundwork for adopting semi-automatic machines for scale-up.

A comprehensive PhD study by Pradhan (2022)[3] at OUAT's Department of Vegetable Science focused on standardization and commercialization of grafting techniques in brinjal to combat bacterial wilt. The study finalized splice grafting with silicone clips as the optimal mechanized-compatible method, achieving 96.1% graft success[3]. Grafted brinjal plants on S. torvum rootstocks yielded 35.26 t/ha, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.2, marking significant economic viability[3].

Key Highlights:

Crop focus: Various fruit and vegetable crops, particularly brinjal
Research initiatives: Ongoing projects to evaluate the effectiveness of robotic grafting in different crop species
Collaboration: Potential partnerships with industry stakeholders to enhance research and development efforts in robotic grafting technology

KAU — Kerala Agricultural University (Thrissur)

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has been exploring the use of robotic grafting technology for tropical fruit crops. The university is conducting trials to assess the performance of grafted plants under Kerala's unique climatic conditions. KAU aims to develop protocols that can be adopted by local farmers to improve crop yields and quality.

KAU's research on grafting standardization in bitter gourd demonstrates the practical need for such technology. A detailed research report from the Department of Vegetable Science (2019)[4] at Kerala Agricultural University, Vellayani, focused on standardization of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). The manual grafting studies at KAU have shown that methods like hole insertion and one cotyledon grafting achieve success rates of 68-88% depending on rootstock and growth regulator combinations[4]. Robotic systems could potentially improve these success rates while dramatically increasing throughput.

For Kerala's vegetable growers facing challenges from soil-borne diseases, nematodes, and drought stress, grafted seedlings produced efficiently through robotic systems could be a game-changer. The technology would be particularly valuable for:

Commercial polyhouse operations
Nurseries supplying grafted seedlings
Research institutions conducting large-scale grafting experiments
Farmer producer organizations seeking quality planting material

Future Prospects

Semi and fully automated grafting robots from different agricultural machine industries are being enhanced through machine vision technology, artificial intelligence, and big data analysis to improve accuracy and efficiency[5].

As KAU continues to explore and potentially implement robotic grafting technology, it positions Kerala's agricultural sector at the forefront of precision farming techniques in India. The integration of such technology aligns with KAU's mission to provide cutting-edge solutions to farmers while maintaining its reputation as one of India's leading agricultural universities in research and innovation.

Global Case Studies

Japan: Development of Automated Grafting Robots

Japan has been a pioneer in the development of automated grafting robots. Japan historically led early mechanization (one-cotyledon systems for cucurbits in the 1980s); more recent work in Italy and Spain has produced prototypes adapted to tray-based nurseries and to specific crop shapes.

Research prototypes (e.g., Italian DIMEAS prototype, Spanish multi-robot approaches) often report ~500–1000 grafts/hour with success rates typically above 85–95% in controlled trials[6]. These projects highlight design tradeoffs: universal vs crop-specific machines, single-arm vs multirobot ensembles, and image-guided selection for variable seedlings. These robots are widely used in commercial nurseries for grafting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The implementation of these robots has led to significant improvements in grafting success rates and overall productivity.

In 1994, Japan's ISEKI company launched the GR800 series vegetable grafting robot, with a grafting rate that could reach 1000 plants/h. ISEKI has launched GR800-B and GR800-T splice grafting machines with grafting efficiency of 800 plants/h with a 95% success rate[6].

ISO / TTA — Graft Single and ISO Grafting Machines (Netherlands / Europe)

In Europe, companies like ISO and TTA have developed advanced grafting machines that utilize robotics and automation to streamline the grafting process. These machines are designed to handle various crops and can perform different grafting techniques, such as splice and cleft grafting. The use of these machines has been shown to reduce labor costs and increase the consistency of grafted plants.

The Graft Single (low-entry grafting robot) and more industrial models from Dutch/European suppliers are widely cited examples. The Graft Single is marketed as an entry machine capable of up to ~1,000 grafts/hour (model-dependent) and aims for easy operation, precision cutting and consistent clip placement — suitable for small to medium nurseries[7].

Higher-end Dutch machines (Graft 1000, Graft 1200 and similar) use image processing and synchronized cutting to achieve high speeds and consistent results. In 2014, ISO Group developed a Graft1100 semi-automatic grafting robot with 1000 plants/h productivity and a 98% grafting survival rate[6][7].

Key Highlights:

Impact: These machines have been adopted by commercial nurseries across Europe, leading to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs in grafted seedling production
Technology: Robotic arms with precision cutting tools and automated clip placement
Advanced systems incorporate vision systems for sizing and cut-angle control
Outcomes: Improved grafting success rates and uniformity of grafted plants

Helper Robotics — AFGR-800CS and Other Korean Systems

Korea has also made significant advancements in robotic grafting technology. Helper Robotics has developed several models of grafting robots, such as the AFGR-800CS, which are capable of performing high-speed grafting operations[8].

The AFGR-800CS stands for: AF (Adjusting Free), GR (Grafting Robot), 800 (Productivity of 800 plants/hr), and CS (Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae). The robot achieves a grafting rate of 800 plants per hour with a grafting survival rate of at least 95%[8].

These robots are equipped with advanced features like automated cutting and joining mechanisms, allowing for efficient and precise grafting of various vegetable crops including watermelon, melon, cucumber, red pepper, and tomato. The adoption of these robots in commercial nurseries has led to increased productivity and reduced labor requirements.

The AFGR-800CS uses a real-time acquisition system of seedling section information to take real-time photos of the cross-section of the rootstock and scion, which ensures the accuracy of grafting incision alignment. It was designated as a world-class product by the Korean government in 2013[8].

These units have been used commercially and in trials in Asia and exported to research centers; their mechanized modules focus on synchronized cutting, picking and clipping for common vegetable crops. Trials show good precision and throughput for cucurbits and solanaceous crops.

Challenges and Research Gaps of Both Indian and Global Case Studies

Despite the advancements in robotic grafting technology, several challenges and research gaps remain:

High initial costs: The cost of acquiring and maintaining robotic grafting systems can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers and nurseries
Technical expertise: Operating and maintaining robotic systems requires specialized knowledge, which may not be readily available in all regions
Crop-specific adaptations: Many robotic systems are designed for specific crops, limiting their versatility and applicability across different agricultural contexts
Environmental factors: The performance of robotic grafting systems can be affected by environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, which may impact grafting success rates
Integration with existing practices: Adapting robotic grafting technology to fit within existing agricultural practices and systems can be challenging
Research gaps: There is a need for further research to optimize robotic grafting techniques, improve system designs, and evaluate long-term outcomes in diverse agricultural settings

Conclusion

Robotic grafting technology has shown great promise in enhancing the efficiency and precision of grafting operations in agriculture. The case studies from India and around the world highlight the potential benefits of this technology, including increased grafting success rates, reduced labor costs, and improved crop yields. However, challenges such as high initial costs and the need for technical expertise must be addressed to facilitate wider adoption. Continued research and development in this field will be crucial to overcoming these challenges and unlocking the full potential of robotic grafting in agriculture.

References

[1] Grafting in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.): a sustainable way of increasing the yield. Vegetos. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42535-020-00171-0

[2] Sarswat, S., Thakur, P.K., Sharma, R., & Kumar, S. (2020). Standardization of Robotic Grafting in Bell-Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 9(3). Available at: https://www.ijcmas.com/9-3-2020/Shivanjali Sarswat, et al.pdf

[3] Pradhan, S. R. (2022). Standardisation and commercialization of grafting techniques in brinjal to combat bacterial wilt (Doctoral dissertation). Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Available at: http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/bitstream/1/5810208349/1/T10559.pdf

[4] Department of Vegetable Science. (2019). Standardization of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) (Research Report). Kerala Agricultural University, Vellayani, Kerala, India. Available at: https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/bitstream/1/5810139832/1/G3693.pdf

[5] Razi, K., et al. (2024). Exploring the role of grafting in abiotic stress management: Contemporary insights and automation trends. Plant Direct. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11646695/

[6] Review and Prospect for Vegetable Grafting Robot and Relevant Key Technologies. Agriculture, 12(10), 1578. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/10/1578

[7] ISO High Speed Grafter. ISO Horti. Available at: https://www.isohorti.com/en/iso-high-speed-grafter/

[8] Ultra Grafting Robot AFGR-800CS by HELPER ROBOTECH. Komachine. Available at: https://www.komachine.com/en/companies/helper-robotech/products/25276-ultra-grafting-robot-products-afgr-800cs

Additional Reading

Evaluation of eggplant rootstocks for grafting eggplant to improve fruit yield and control bacterial wilt disease. European Journal of Plant Pathology. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10658-021-02305-9
Graft Compatibility and Anatomical Studies of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Scions with Cucurbitaceous Rootstocks. ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313654418_Graft_Compatibility_and_Anatomical_Studies_of_Bitter_Gourd_Momordica_charantia_L_Scions_with_Cucurbitaceous_Rootstocks
Vegetable Grafting: A Toolbox for Securing Yield Stability under Multiple Stress Conditions. Frontiers in Plant Science. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5770366/

Published on October 18,2025

By Vishnupriya S