In the world of horticulture, where precision and efficiency are paramount, Optimal, a British/Dutch company, is leading the way with its pioneering AI-powered greenhouse cultivation technology. As the company celebrates its 70th anniversary, it is evident that its commitment to innovation, consistent results, and operational efficiency is reshaping the future of greenhouse farming.
Frank van Kleef, a Dutch greenhouse owner, is no stranger to the advantages of AI-powered greenhouses. Having witnessed the exceptional capabilities of this technology, he transitioned from running his own greenhouse business to becoming an integral part of Optimal. In their commercial-scale greenhouse located in Westdorpe, Optimal’s AI system is achieving remarkable results – higher yields, elevated Brix levels, reduced energy consumption, and lower CO2 emissions. Frank attributes this success to the unwavering consistency of the AI-driven decisions.
Optimal’s Founder and CEO, Dave Hunter, emphasizes the critical need for skilled growers in the greenhouse industry as it continues to expand globally. He asserts that the key to greenhouse success on a global scale lies in operational knowledge, consistent outcomes, and efficient facility management. The adoption of AI technology can facilitate these critical aspects and bolster the industry’s role in ensuring food security amidst climate change challenges.
Dave Hunter joined forces with Frank van Kleef to gain a deeper understanding of the greenhouse industry’s complexities and challenges. Frank, who previously owned Royal Pride, one of the world’s leading greenhouse companies, has committed himself to developing the Optimal system and actively oversees processes and output quality in the Westdorpe demonstration greenhouse. Frank’s meticulous evaluation aligns with his social enterprise, Boeregoed, which markets the greenhouse’s produce.
Optimal’s groundbreaking approach combines Frank’s industry expertise with AI technology. They initially developed a predictive control system that continuously updates a digital twin of the greenhouse with real-time data and weather forecasts. Advanced optimization software recalibrates greenhouse inputs every minute, such as heating pipe temperatures and vent positions. The system anticipates the effects of weather changes, providing invaluable insights beyond human capabilities.
The primary advantage, according to Frank, is error prevention. While human growers may react differently in identical situations, computers consistently make optimal choices. Dave highlights the system’s tireless nature, ensuring precise irrigation, climate management, and preemptive responses to environmental changes, ultimately resulting in healthier crops, higher yields, and superior quality.
Nonetheless, greenhouse management encompasses more than just control systems, even if they are exceptionally advanced. Optimal offers comprehensive greenhouse operation services, ensuring year-round efficiency and reliability. All tasks are documented in software-based Standard Operating Procedures, with workers guided through their duties via a smartphone app. Labor schedules are generated, enabling insights into labor requirements and performance evaluations.
In the Westdorpe demonstration greenhouse, this holistic system has yielded impressive results, including a 13% increase in yield, a 14% higher Brix level, 27% energy savings, and a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to benchmark Dutch greenhouses.
Optimal’s success extends to its real-world deployment discussions with leading greenhouse owners in the United States, the UK, and other regions. The adaptable system can thrive in diverse climatic conditions, making it suitable for any greenhouse. Expansion into new crops like strawberries, peppers, and leafy greens is also on the horizon.
At the heart of Optimal’s achievements lies the synergy between humans and machines. Dave acknowledges that AI and predictive control models enhance greenhouse outcomes, but aligning people, technology, and hardware to work seamlessly together is the true key to success. The future of horticulture is undergoing a transformation led by Optimal’s pioneering AI technology, bridging the gap between traditional farming and sustainable, precision agriculture.