5G takes root at TomatoWorld greenhouse in the Netherlands

This venture, set to span over two years, is a collaborative effort involving tech experts from TU Delft, Do IoT Fieldlab (Delft on Internet of Things), Robohouse, Tomatoworld, TNO and MCS. Their mission is to accelerate the growth of smart systems, utilizing sensors, robots and drones to drive innovation in a real-world setting.

This initiative aims to tackle critical challenges in the horticultural sector, including labor shortages, rising costs, sustainability standards and international competition. The 5G experiments will promote sustainable and efficient food production while prioritizing human well-being and the environment. The company notes that technological innovation is crucial for the Dutch greenhouse horticulture industry to remain competitive.

In addition, wireless connections like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth face limitations in greenhouses due to the construction materials and crop density. However, 5G technology opens up new possibilities for digital applications in greenhouse horticulture, reducing latency and enhancing control over energy, climate and robotics.

As of early next year, coinciding with the onset of the new crop season, companies will have the opportunity to utilize their sensors, robots and other products in a 5G-enriched environment.

In 2023, Telecom provider MLGC teamed up with Trilogy Networks to launch a large precision agriculture project in North Dakota. The Dakota*ICP (Innovative Crop Production) combines telecom tech and AI-powered cloud infrastructure to revolutionize farming practices in the state.

The project combines MLGC’s advanced telecommunications network with Trilogy Networks’ FarmGrid platform. FarmGrid offers AI-driven aerial imagery processing, soil analytics, microclimate monitoring, and automation capabilities.

According to both companies, this deployment aims to provide timely, actionable information to 2.1 million US growers. Its goals include increasing yields, reducing costs, improving profitability, and lowering environmental impacts.

Trilogy Networks’ president and CEO, George Woodward, describes this collaboration as the largest implementation of precision agricultural infrastructure for data-driven farming. North Dakota provides the ideal mix of innovation, scale and some of the most fertile farmland globally, he continues.

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Article Topics

5G  |  IoT  |  TomatoWorld