Dutch horticulture is on the eve of a technological breakthrough. Two pioneering research projects, funded by the KIC program, focus on using artificial intelligence in greenhouse horticulture and animal husbandry. With partners TU Delft and Wageningen University & Research, the projects focus on AI-driven control systems for more efficient water and energy consumption in greenhouses and monitoring animal behavior. These innovations aim not only to increase productivity but also to significantly improve the sector’s sustainability. The projects started last week.
TU Delft and Wageningen University & Research are working with companies such as Blue Radix and Hendrix Genetics on AI-driven systems that optimize water and energy consumption and closely monitor animal behavior. The projects are part of a broader initiative under the KIC program that focuses on integrating artificial intelligence in agriculture and horticulture.
AI-driven control systems
The first project, led by TU Delft, focuses on developing AI-based control systems for greenhouse horticulture. These systems use sensors and data analysis to optimize water and energy consumption in greenhouses. Companies such as Ridder and HarvestAi are contributing to implementing these technologies, which promise to improve greenhouse efficiency and sustainability significantly.
In animal husbandry, the second project focuses on the use of AI and video analysis to monitor animal behavior. Led by TU Eindhoven and in collaboration with companies such as Topigs Norsvin and VencoMatic Group, systems are being developed that collect real-time data to ensure animal welfare and optimize production.
In addition to the KIC projects, the Proof Research Center in Honselersdijk plays a crucial role in testing AI systems for crop optimization. The AI system Plantonomy, developed in cooperation with companies such as HortiTech and Priva, adjusts greenhouse climate settings based on sensor measurements. This system ensures a more efficient energy balance and increased crop yields through precise adjustments to growing conditions.
Prospects
The integration of AI into greenhouse and livestock farming offers promising prospects for a more sustainable future. However, there are challenges to overcome, such as the ongoing development of detection methods for AI-generated content to prevent misuse. It remains an arms race between innovation and control, in which technology developers and regulators play a crucial role.
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