More efficiency with logistic solutions or advanced robots

Added on 28 February 2024

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More efficiency with logistic solutions or advanced robots

Photo: Bogaerts Greenhouse Logistics

GreenTech is shining a spotlight on the transitions happening in the world today. With numerous challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and the need for more sustainable practices, the current food production systems are being greatly affected. In a series of articles, we will delve into the challenges and opportunities of these transitions in the horticulture industry. In this article we look at the different options to make labour in the greenhouse easier with relatively simple solutions and high-tech robots.

Working in horticulture is not always easy. Heavy and repetitive work in the greenhouse demands a lot from employees, for example while taking care of the crop and during harvest. Because it is becoming increasingly difficult to find sufficient employees all over the world, smart solutions are required to get the large amount of work done at horticultural companies. Growers can use accessible solutions for this at a relatively low investment, but advanced robots are also increasingly entering horticulture. These high-tech solutions may not be suitable or accessible to every grower, but it looks like they will play an important role in ensuring a continued production of vegetables, flowers, and plants in the future.

High labour costs

Asesores en Invernaderos from Mexico represents more than 20 European companies and 1 from Mexico and is exclusive distributor for all their horticultural products in Mexico. It includes logistical solutions for mid and high-tech greenhouses, such as transport systems for crop work, harvest, transport, crop protection, crop rotation and handling systems. “In Mexico labour costs are high and there are less people available. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the available resources”, says director Ricardo Martinez. “Automation can increase the production with the same amount of people or less, it offers an increase of the productivity, it decreases the damage of the products, and it takes care of the security and the conditions of the employees.”