Support Equipment for Indoor Farming

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project was to develop affordable support equipment suitable for modern indoor farming operations. We developed a seeding machine at 5% the cost of conventional machines. It is able to seed 50% faster. We use minimalistic design and 3D printing technology. We made transplanting obsolete by using grow mats that carry plants all the way from seeding to harvesting and can be sold alive directly to end consumers. We refitted an outdoor harvesting machine for indoor purposes. We developed a climate box that produces climate more reliable than conventional indoor farms.

Expected results and effects

The result of this project is a series of prototypes that are currently being tested at our first customer. The equipment has so far proven to reduce manual labour by at least 25% and total operating costs by as much as 20%. Moreover, being able to sell living greens with the grow mats will increase revenue significantly. The equipment alone will hence lead to a dramatic increase in profitability of indoor farms. The climate box is able to produce a growing conditions that are far superior to any indoor farm. It will be used for large-scale automation as well as for show cases close to consumers.

Planned approach and implementation

At the beginning of the project we spent much time interviewing farmers to understand exactly the challenges they face. Then we selected one company to work with closely. Throughout the project they provided feedback and tested our machines in their commercial production. This way we iterated on our equipment and came up with solutions that are tailored specifically to indoor farming. Even the additional box concept is the result of much discussion with farmers. This close cooperation from the start will ensure an excellent product-market-fit.