Norway has started using robots to grow and package lettuce in a fully automated indoor farm. The facility, operated by Himmelgrønt AS, uses vertical farming and automated systems to produce fresh vegetables throughout the year.
The facility is located at Gardermoen, near Oslo, and is run through a partnership between supermarket chain Coop Norge and technology company Avisomo. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and SINTEF have studied how automation can support indoor vegetable production in Norway.
The farm uses robots to handle lettuce from sowing and growing to harvesting and packaging. This means the produce can move through the facility without being touched by workers until it reaches the store and, eventually, the customer.
READ ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/nottingham-researcher-new-sound-effect/
The lettuce grows in stacked levels inside a controlled environment. Automated systems manage light, temperature, air and water, while the plants grow without traditional soil. Their roots receive nutrients through flowing water, while the plants grow above the root system.
Some of the fastest-growing lettuce varieties can be ready for harvest in just over two weeks. Because the crops are grown indoors, farmers can maintain stable growing conditions throughout the year instead of depending on outdoor weather.
The system can also reduce some common sources of contamination. Researchers say the lettuce does not come into contact with human hands during the automated process, and the indoor environment does not require pesticides or exposure to insects.
One major benefit is a longer shelf life. According to the researchers, lettuce and herbs produced through this method can last around 12 weeks, compared with roughly two to four weeks for many conventionally produced products. A longer shelf life could help stores reduce the amount of fresh produce they throw away.
Automation could also help address labor shortages in Norway’s vegetable industry. Robots can take over repetitive, heavy or difficult tasks, while workers can focus on operating and maintaining the technology and handling other parts of production.
However, fully automated farming is not suitable for every business yet. The equipment requires investment, and the right level of automation will depend on the size and needs of each farm. Researchers say systems that can perform several production tasks could make the technology more practical.
WATCH ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/students-humanoid-robot-walk-dance-flip/
The researchers also believe vertical farming could be used for crops beyond lettuce. Berries, tomatoes and cucumbers are among the other products that could potentially be grown using controlled indoor systems.
Another factor is food security. A recent report from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment identified food supply as an area of vulnerability during major crises. Researchers say local automated vegetable production could therefore play a role in Norway’s food preparedness.
The researchers describe the industry as being at an important point as more growers consider automation. Scaling up production and building more facilities could determine whether this type of farming becomes economically sustainable across Norway.
The project also builds on automation research in other industries. SINTEF researchers are comparing lessons from sectors such as fishing and meat processing to understand how those technologies can be adapted for vegetable production.
If the technology continues to develop, fully automated vertical farms could give Norway a way to produce more fresh vegetables locally throughout the year. The main challenge will be balancing automation, production scale and investment costs.
One Response