Often people ask if we can automate the greenhouse production so less work needs to be done by people.

If you take a look, a Dutch norm for skilled workers working on the plants is 6 people per 1ha (2.5 acres). This is for trained, experienced and efficient workers. If you compare this with any open field production, six people to handle 1ha (2.5 acres), this is a great number.

How to automate this further? Well…you don’t. Some things need to be done by people in order to be done correctly. I mean handling the plants, removing the leaves, harvesting etc… 

Automation in greenhouses is sometimes used in areas like transport of harvested products. There are special automated “trains” with “wagons” which are guided by a chain (old system) or by magnetic strip (new system). But these systems are very expensive and are used only in very large greenhouses of 10ha (25 acres) and more.

Also sorting the products, packing, forming the carton boxes, forming and wrapping the pallets can be done by machines.

When it comes to actual workforce, it is better to invest in training, salary and other ways of stimulation and reward so that the workforce becomes more efficient and productive, rather then thinking about ROBOTS.