Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge continues with Hackathon

From September to December 2024, five international teams will have a greenhouse compartment at the location of Wageningen University & Research in Bleiswijk. These teams, from Asia, Europe and North America, are tasked to autonomously grow a dwarf tomato crop. The goal is to achieve high yields and quality with most sustainable use of resources, such as energy. The winning team will be announced in early January 2025.

Of the 23 registered teams from all over the world, the best five were selected through an Online Challenge that took place on May 31. During the Hackathon on June 6 and 7, participating teams can earn extra points.

Virtual cultivation of dwarf tomatoes

In the Online Challenge, teams had to detect dwarf tomato plants using computer vision and grow virtual dwarf tomatoes in a simulated greenhouse environment provided by WUR. During the Hackathon, teams are given 5 hours to complete an additional task. Each team will also present their successful approach to the jury and explain why they should belong to the top five teams. The winners will be announced during the Hackathon. The five teams with the highest cumulative points will grow real dwarf tomatoes in their own greenhouse compartment in Bleiswijk fully autonomously this autumn.

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