Teams tackle autonomous dwarf tomato cultivation

Added on 04 September 2024

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Teams tackle autonomous dwarf tomato cultivation

Photo: WUR

NETHERLANDS, BLEISWIJK - Excitement is mounting in the greenhouses of Wageningen University & Research in Bleiswijk: five teams from across the globe have embarked on the next phase of the Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge. The task? To cultivate dwarf tomatoes completely autonomously, without human intervention.

In the first phase of the competition, the teams worked hard on developing advanced algorithms. Now, they get to apply that knowledge practically in their own greenhouse compartment in Bleiswijk. Using sensors and artificial intelligence, the teams meticulously control temperature, light, humidity, and CO₂ to create the optimal growth conditions for the tomato plants. All of this is done entirely automatically and as sustainably as possible. The ultimate goal is to achieve the highest net profit in a sustainable manner. Extra points can be earned by making the right decisions regarding biological pest control, based on digital information from the greenhouse. The team with the most points will be crowned the winner of the Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge 2024.