Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below a list of frequently asked questions. If you don’t find what you are looking for, feel free to reach out to us.
This is also interesting reading
General information
What is plant phenotyping and why is it important?
Plant phenotyping is the systematic measurement and analysis of observable plant characteristics, such as growth, structure, development, and responses to stress. It plays a key role in understanding plant performance, supporting crop improvement and breeding programs, and revealing how genetic and environmental factors influence plants.
What different WIWAM systems are available?
WIWAM offers a large range of automated plant phenotyping systems designed for different plant types, sizes, and research applications. These include compact systems for tissue cultures and small model plants to conveyor-based and robotic systems for larger crops. Each installation is fully customized and tailored to the needs and requirements of the client.
Which plant species and sizes are supported?
WIWAM systems support a wide range of plant species and growth stages, from tissue cultures and small model plants to poplars reaching 2.5 meters in height. The supported plant size, weight, and capacity depend on the selected system configuration and can be adapted to specific research requirements.
Some platforms are compatible with multiple plant sizes, either by placing plants on larger tables or through the use of adapter plates, allowing different formats to be handled within a single system.
What are typical research applications of WIWAM systems?
WIWAM systems are commonly used for drought and stress studies, growth analysis, genotype comparison, nutrient response experiments, and research on plant–environment interactions.
System Features & Capabilities
Which imaging and sensor technologies are used?
WIWAM integrates a wide range of advanced imaging and sensor technologies, including multiview RGB, hyperspectral, thermal, fluorescence, and 3D laser line triangulation. In addition, the platforms can incorporate sensors such as light curtains, scales, and environmental sensors for temperature, humidity, and irradiation.
All WIWAM systems are designed as open and modular platforms, allowing future upgrades and seamless integration of new technologies as they become available.
Can WIWAM systems analyze root traits?
Yes. WIWAM has developed solutions that enable the analysis of root growth and architecture alongside shoot development, providing a more complete view of plant performance. Root phenotyping can be performed within transparent pots as well as using rhizotron plates, allowing detailed root inspection throughout the experiment.
How does automated irrigation work?
WIWAM systems offer advanced and flexible automated irrigation solutions tailored to experimental needs. Irrigation can be applied to individual plants based on precise weight measurements, using predefined thresholds or experimental protocols based on formulas. Plants can be watered individually from the top or bottom, and systems can also be equipped with field-like spraying of compounds.
In addition, WIWAM provides solutions for controlled flooding, allowing multiple plants to be irrigated simultaneously. WIWAM has developed proprietary high-volume, high-precision pumps that can switch between different solutions, enabling accurate and repeatable treatments. To ensure uniform and homogeneous watering, plants can be rotated during irrigation, minimizing positional effects and improving experimental consistency.
What irrigation control options are available?
WIWAM systems allow users to define custom watering formulas that determine irrigation volumes per plant. These formulas can integrate weight data and feedback from image analysis, enabling precise, adaptive, and experiment-driven irrigation control.
Can experiments be randomized within the system?
Yes. WIWAM software supports experimental randomization and repositioning of plants, helping to reduce positional effects and improve the statistical reliability of experimental results.
How are plants identified and tracked?
Each plant can be individually identified using technologies such as RFID or unique identifiers, allowing accurate tracking of plant data throughout the entire experiment.
Customization & Scalability
Can the system be customized for specific research needs?
Customization is a core strength of WIWAM. Systems can be adapted in terms of hardware, imaging technology, sensors, software functionality, and workflow to match specific research questions, plant species, or facility constraints.
How is the system integrated into existing facilities?
WIWAM systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing greenhouses, growth chambers, or research facilities. Each installation is carefully planned in collaboration with the customer to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure, workflows, and environmental controls.
Software & Data Management
How are data management and analysis handled?
All measurements collected by WIWAM systems are automatically stored in a database and/or uploaded to dedicated storage servers.
WIWAM also offers centralized data management software. The accompanying software allows users to centralize information from different platforms, create automated image analysis pipelines, configure experiments, monitor plant performance over time, visualize results, and export data for further statistical or image analysis.
All data can be stored locally on the customer’s servers and configured so that users always have direct access to their own data without requiring a cloud system or additional software licenses.
What software interfaces are available?
WIWAM provides intuitive, user-friendly software interfaces to control the system and manage experiments end-to-end. Users can set up experiments, configure treatments, monitor ongoing runs, collect data, set alarms/notifications, and query the information gathered by the platform for analysis and reporting. Data can also be exported for use in external analysis tools and pipelines.
Because WIWAM’s software is developed in-house, we can continuously improve it and—where feasible—adapt features or workflows to match customer needs. This allows us to deliver updates, refinements, and tailored enhancements. Importantly, there is no license cost for the WIWAM software, allowing full access to all features without additional fees.
Installation & Integration
How does WIWAM ensure the quality of the installation?
Whenever possible, WIWAM platforms are first built and fully tested at the SMO facilities. Customers are invited to inspect the system and see it in action, ensuring it meets their expectations. Once approved, the installation is carefully disassembled, transported, and reinstalled at the client’s facility. This approach not only helps ensure reliable and consistent performance but also significantly reduces on-site installation time, minimizing disruption at the customer’s site.
Maintenance & Support
Is maintenance and service support available?
WIWAM provides comprehensive maintenance and service support throughout the lifecycle of the system. This includes support during installation and commissioning, as well as training for researchers and technical staff to ensure efficient and confident operation from the start.
WIWAM offers flexible service options: periodic maintenance can be performed by the WIWAM team or partly in-house by the customer. Service contracts can be tailored to specific needs and may include preventive maintenance, system upgrades, and (remote) technical support. Some WIWAM platforms have been in continuous operation for more than ten years, demonstrating their reliability and long-term performance.
Demonstrations & Contact
Is it possible to see a system demonstration before purchase?
WIWAM offers system demonstrations at its demo facility, where potential users can see the technology in operation and discuss their specific research needs with the WIWAM team. When required, visits to existing customer installations can also be arranged.
How can I stay informed about updates and innovations?
You can stay up to date by following WIWAM’s News & Insights section on the website, subscribing to the newsletter, or connecting via professional channels such as LinkedIn, where new developments, projects, and innovations are shared.
How can I request more information or a quotation?
You can contact WIWAM directly through the contact form on the website to request additional information, a system demonstration, or a customized quotation.