Drones fly through glasshouse to collect datum . The first screen out and packaging robots are usher in . So we are well on our way to fully automatize greenhouse horticulture . But how far are we , exactly ? Harm van Adrichem of Gearbox discusses his visual sense for the future .
Digitization , step by stepGearbox in Maasdijk , Netherlands , conception and manufactures smart products in the field of visual modality solution , self - learning software , robotics , and automation . All specifically for glasshouse gardening . Harm is a business ontogeny strategist , and part of his role is to compare the ontogeny of automation in greenhouse gardening with the ontogeny of the wandering telephone . " If you equate the first mobile phone with the latest smartphone now , it was n’t arrant , but it was good enough to get begin . Each rendering is always a little better and bright . That is also the trend that we are now see in nursery gardening . "
So , where are we now ? Are we still in the bulge - up form or beyond ? " A step further , if you ask me . Step by whole step , we are working towards complete digitalization . When we get there also depends on other divisor . This is not only due to the technical development . " Harm explain further … " Since vigour Mary Leontyne Price are so high , many society are exploring an investiture into a second energy CRT screen instead of novel boulevard to automate their operations . Fortunately for us , muckle of company do both . "
As we hash out the current energy crisis and energy conversion , we must ask : can digitization still play a function in this ? " I do n’t have a green quarter round myself , but our customers point if you are considering a modification in your strategy , the data we can generate is very valuable . You gain insight into the encroachment of your option more quick . "
Labor versus automationThe labor market is tight , and endowment is expensive . mechanisation can be a solvent for staff shortage . hurt talks about the advantage and disadvantages , the challenges and conditions of automation compare to human labor . " mechanisation is a unchanging factor in the work process . One necessary is that you must have clear workings agreement . An advantage of an employee is that you may explain to them in the morning what they should focalise on that twenty-four hour period . A golem will first have to learn change . In that respect , there is slightly less tractableness with the robot . However , once you have explain it in good order to a robot , it will always do it that way of life every day extend forward . "
From digitisation to automationSome body of work cognitive operation are well suited for mechanization than others . This also go for to a greenhouse gardening company , explains Harm . " You approximately have three area : the nursery itself , where cultivation take on place , the processing region , and storage , which is often cold entrepot . At the consequence , we see the most automation in the processing room because the conditions here are in the main the most static . In the greenhouse is where you will have to divvy up with the most change , such as squish piping rail organisation and varying floor of light ( which an assessment algorithm find oneself hard ) . In the nursery , we are now at the start of automation , of which digitization is an significant part . " In other words , hoard information so that a automaton not only does its job but can also trade with the exceptions it encounters . And that is different for every crop and also different within each crop or yield type , says Harm . " For instance , a Lycopersicon esculentum - picking robot can not just pick any character of tomato . A vine love apple , loose Lycopersicon esculentum , or collation Lycopersicon esculentum requires a different approach . "
Scalability and qualityWhy does automation suit one craw more than another ? " Within our troupe , our intersection for rosaceous cultivation have come a long means if you look at digitisation and the use of data point in the greenhouse . The focus for this craw is on increasing the payoff price , i.e. , quality . With the turgid vegetable harvest , the direction is slightly more on cost savings . There are solutions for this too , but it require a different approaching . "
" Without pioneers , we ’d have no products"The development of robotization is also for the most part ascertain by pioneers in the sphere , Harm explains . " Without pioneer , we would n’t have had any products . We always make the first versions of our products together with a development partner . This creates a focus on make the best solution by taking into report the exist methods in polish . "
In 10 years … ultimately , Harm take in a look into the future . " you may see a number of drift . scale up will carry on . So there are few and fewer farms , but larger area . You also see more and more standardization in products . proletariat is also becoming scarce and more expensive . These are important movement that can promote mechanisation . So we are hold out to see more and more digitization and automation in horticulture . "
When will we see the first nursery with only robots ? " I do n’t think in two years , nor in five , but maybe in ten years . Do n’t be mistaken that it requires a tidy sum from an organization , which will have to take small step . For example , if you are going to bring forth data , it is also necessary that someone is present who does something with that data point . And who is that then ? The theatrical role of a commercial enterprise loss leader will also switch . Managing a team of people is different from a fleet of automaton . I see it as a gradual process of two steps forward and one step back . The speed of that process is determined by the adaptability of the sphere . "
For more information : Ludvig Svensson[email protected]www.ludvigsvensson.com
