In a groundbreaking development, Stichting Wageningen Research and its research institute Wageningen Plant Research (WPR) have announced a collaboration with IUNU to pioneer closed-loop autonomous growing systems for commercial lettuce varieties. This marks the world’s first comprehensive autonomous growing solution tailored for the greenhouse industry.
A Leap in Agricultural Technology
Unlike existing solutions that primarily aim to regulate climate conditions based on limited data, IUNU’s innovative approach employs computer vision technology to monitor each plant’s growth within the greenhouse continuously. This enables the system to autonomously implement crop strategies based on real-time performance metrics, optimizing yield and quality.
The Role of Wageningen Plant Research
Wageningen Plant Research has been a frontrunner in the horticulture sector, making it an ideal partner for IUNU in this ambitious project. “WPR has long served as a leader in the horticulture industry, and we are thrilled to work together to bring truly autonomous growing to the greenhouse industry. Having exclusive access to world-class research facilities and talent accelerates our ability to bring products to market and drive value for growers worldwide,” said Allison Kopf, Chief Growth Officer at IUNU.
Implementation at WPR Facilities
IUNU has installed its state-of-the-art computer vision system at WPR’s research facilities in Bleiswijk. The system is operational in both traditional and semi-closed greenhouse compartments. It is compatible with both Moving Gully Systems (MGS) and Deep Water Culture (DWC) pond systems, offering flexibility in its application.
Implications for the Industry
The partnership between IUNU and WPR could serve as a blueprint for the future of commercial agriculture. By leveraging advanced technologies like computer vision and machine learning, the collaboration aims to revolutionize greenhouses’ operations, making them more efficient, sustainable, and profitable.
Future Prospects
As the world grapples with challenges like climate change and food security, innovations like this could play a critical role in creating a more sustainable agricultural landscape. Both IUNU and WPR are optimistic about the potential impact of their collaboration and are committed to further research and development to refine and expand their autonomous growing solutions.
This partnership marks a significant advancement in agricultural technology and sets the stage for a new era of sustainable and efficient farming practices. With world-class research and cutting-edge technology backing, the IUNU-WPR collaboration is poised to redefine the future of greenhouse agriculture.
Image provided by IUNU
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