Greenhouse horticulture is evolving rapidly, with the integration of big data and digital technologies reshaping both how greenhouses are built and how plants are grown. The future of this sector is digital cultivation, where data plays a central role in improving efficiency, sustainability, and crop yield. In this context, TNO, a leading research institute, is working with Hortivation to establish global standards for digital greenhouse infrastructure. Their efforts are paving the way for data-driven solutions that promise greater efficiency and new business models for greenhouse operators.
Building the Digital Greenhouse Infrastructure
At the heart of this transformation is the creation of a unified digital infrastructure for greenhouse horticulture. TNO, in collaboration with Hortivation, has developed a global standard for data exchange through a common greenhouse ontology. This digital infrastructure enables greenhouse suppliers and growers to seamlessly share data, ensuring smooth communication and minimizing misunderstandings in the design, construction, and operation phases.
The Hortivation Hub is a key component of this infrastructure. Often referred to as a “Worldwide Web” for greenhouses, the hub facilitates the secure and efficient exchange of data between different stakeholders. This collaborative environment supports the development of innovative applications for data-driven construction and plant cultivation. By using these tools, greenhouse suppliers can offer new services, such as yield guarantees, to their clients.
The data-driven construction program aims to improve greenhouse designs and boost their resilience by providing real-time monitoring tools. For example, the Greenhouse Information System allows suppliers to exchange design specifications easily, speeding up the design process and reducing the likelihood of errors. These advancements enable greenhouse manufacturers to create more sustainable and efficient structures while keeping up with the sector’s growing demands.
Data-Driven Cultivation: The Next Frontier
Beyond construction, data is also transforming how crops are grown inside these greenhouses. The concept of autonomous cultivation is emerging, where real-time data from plants and growing systems are used to predict outcomes and make adjustments automatically. TNO’s GAIA system is a key innovation in this space, helping manage conflicting control settings generated by autonomous systems in greenhouses. GAIA harmonizes these settings in real time, ensuring that different systems operate in sync to optimize plant growth without interference.
As more companies adopt data-driven cultivation, the focus is on developing autonomous systems that can predict and respond to plant needs, minimizing the need for human intervention while enhancing precision. This shift is critical as the industry faces challenges like labor shortages, rising energy costs, and increasing demands for higher yields.
Knowledge and Innovation Hub for Greenhouse Horticulture
To ensure continuous innovation and knowledge exchange, TNO and its partners are involved with Demokwekerij Westland at the World Horti Center. This hub serves as a meeting point for growers, suppliers, and innovators, where they can collaborate and explore the latest technologies in greenhouse horticulture. The facility also showcases technologies that have already proven successful in practical applications, fostering an environment of shared learning and development.
By maintaining close ties with companies in the sector, TNO and Hortivation ensure that their research and innovations are aligned with real-world challenges and opportunities. The ongoing collaboration at these centers plays a critical role in accelerating the adoption of digital cultivation technologies across the industry.
Collaboration Opportunities
The success of data-driven greenhouse horticulture hinges on collaboration between technology providers, greenhouse constructors, and growers. TNO and Hortivation offer a range of collaboration options for businesses in the sector. Whether companies are looking to solve specific challenges or explore ways to improve their operations, these partnerships provide access to cutting-edge innovations and expert guidance.
For greenhouse builders, TNO’s digital tools offer significant advantages, including improved design efficiency, better monitoring capabilities, and enhanced sustainability. Working with TNO and Hortivation allows businesses to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving horticulture sector.
The future of greenhouse horticulture lies in data-driven innovation. With initiatives like the Hortivation Hub and GAIA system, TNO and its partners are setting the stage for a more sustainable, efficient, and productive industry. The integration of big data and digital technologies is enabling greenhouse operators to predict outcomes, optimize plant growth, and reduce operational inefficiencies. As these technologies become more widely adopted, the greenhouse sector will continue to thrive, offering new opportunities for businesses and growers alike.
