The "Do IoT for Greenhouse Horticulture" project

What does this research focus on?

Duration: June 2023 - June 2025

Partners within this project: TU Delft, Do IoT Fieldlab, Robohouse, TNO, MCS, Tomatoworld

This research focuses on helping companies accelerate automation and digitisation in greenhouses. SMEs get the chance to test their digital innovation in a real-world environment. Experts in wireless communications will contribute their knowledge and advise on how to get - and keep - systems working properly using 5G.

Measurement and control systems in greenhouses are already commonplace. But it is currently not well suited to using wireless data communication in a greenhouse. Due to the combination of the type of construction (glass with metal) and the plants themselves (which are an obstacle to data transmission), connections such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi do not work well. Data communication via 4G is not fast enough. Therefore, horticulturists can only use sensors and robots on a limited scale.

Fast and reliable

5G does offer possibilities for wireless, lightning-fast exchange of large amounts of data in a greenhouse in a safe and reliable way. In addition, the government encourages companies to make greenhouse work lighter, easier and more sustainable. Do IoT Fieldlab, together with TU Delft fieldlab Robohouse, will therefore initially set up and test a 5G installation in a small-scale greenhouse. After the initial experiments, the next phase will focus on testing in a realistic environment: at Tomatoworld, the information and education centre in Westland.

The aim of this project is to jointly develop useful solutions for sustainable crop production, while respecting people and the environment. Examples include the deployment of drones that detect insects in a greenhouse, providing insight into whether this is a desirable or undesirable insect in this greenhouse. Or, for instance, accurately measuring how much moisture is in a plant so that each plant gets the right amount of water. In addition, entrepreneurs are also challenged to come up with proposals for robots that will make work more pleasant for people in the greenhouses, for example by reducing the need to bend or lift. Thus, there are plenty of opportunities for testing and developing systems with robots, sensors and artificial intelligence (AI).

Leading position

5G will play a major role in future innovations and further automation of the cultivation process. Fast innovations are crucial to maintain and expand the leading position of Dutch greenhouse horticulture. In addition, using raw materials and energy sparingly is essential for the future food supply. The horticulture sector faces major challenges such as labour shortages, rising prices for energy and raw materials, increasing sustainability requirements and greater international competition.

This is why local and regional parties are supporting the development of 5G applications in greenhouse horticulture. Do IoT for greenhouse horticulture is co-funded by MRDH (Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag) and Province of South Holland, and supported by Municipality of Westland, Greenport West Holland, Innovation Quarter and TU Delft Agtech Institute.