HYBRO Saatzucht GmbH & Co. KG about Smart Lab automatic seed filling

Efficiency in filling trial plots is a deciding factor in modern seed cultivation. HYBRO Saatzucht GmbH & Co. KG specializes in yield trials for experimental hybrids and crop varieties, and took on the challenge of making its seed bag filling more efficient and with a higher level of workplace safety. WINTERSTEIGER's Smart Lab was to be the solution – an innovative system for automated seed filling.

The challenge: Working hours and workplace safety

Filling has complex demands: Between 900 and 2200 grains must run accurately into each bag, and this applies to thousands of bags across various sites. In the past, the seeds were weighed and distributed centrally, which made it more difficult to make site adaptations for different plot sizes, and drew attention to the shortage of specialists.

First deployment of Smart Lab – potential and initial experience

HYBRO Saatzucht GmbH & Co. KG got to know the machine through a Smart Lab demonstration at the DLG technicians conference in Hanover, and recognized the potential. It was clear that Smart Lab can bring significant benefits when it comes to workplace safety – the shielding used in the treating and filling process reduced direct contact with chemical substances to a minimum.

Looking to the future

Experiences with Smart Lab indicate just how impressive the machine is, especially with regard to safety aspects and the potential for process automation. Downtime is not an option, and HYBRO Saatzucht GmbH & Co. KG sees promising potential in the further development of Smart Lab.

For seed cultivation, it is clear that innovative technologies such as Smart Lab could permanently shape and revolutionize the future of plant breeding.