¶ Forest Growers Research (FGR NZ) AI-supported seedling grading prototype
Recommended Technology
Description: Forest Growers Research (FGR NZ), through its Precision Silviculture Programme, has developed an AI‑supported seedling grading prototype to automate a traditionally labour‑intensive and subjective nursery process. The system combines computer vision and machine‑learning within an in‑shed conveyor, assessing seedlings against key quality metrics such as height, root‑collar diameter (RCD), colour, and basic root characteristics. Trials with industry partners have demonstrated strong accuracy (±10 mm height, ±0.5 mm RCD), with grading outputs closely matching experienced nursery staff. Operator‑facing software allows parameter tuning and produces batch‑level reporting to support quality assurance and planning.
From a maturity perspective, the system sits at approximately TRL 5–6, having been validated in realistic nursery environments but not yet fully commercialised. Further development is expected in areas such as seedling singulation, automated packing, expanded trait detection, and integration with lifting or mobile grading systems. Indicative deployment costs are in the low‑ to mid‑six‑figure cost range per installation, primarily covering conveyor hardware, sensors, and software, with relatively modest ongoing costs linked to calibration, updates, and training.
For Australian forestry, the technology is highly transferrable. By shifting grading from subjective judgement to a consistent, data‑driven process, it offers improved quality control, reduced manual handling, and better alignment between nursery production and field performance. More broadly, AI‑based grading enables improved tracking of seedling outcomes, supports genetics optimisation, and strengthens reporting for carbon and ESG, providing a practical pathway toward more efficient and data‑driven nursery operations.
¶ Details
| Company | Country | Type | Website | Available in Australia? | Year | Status | Remarks | TRL | Employees | Colour | Inventors | Patent Model. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempo Lab / Tui Technology | New Zealand | Link |