With a focus on reliable data, adaptability, and compactness, the EcoSense sensors help vertical farms to improve their operations. "The system really makes a tangible difference in maximizing yield and reducing waste. We have developed this exciting technology at a fraction of the cost of comparable technology on the market, giving more growers access to important information," says Darren Whitehurst, Sales Manager at EcoBloom, a Swedish agtech based in Stockholm. Ever since its origin, EcoBloom has been focusing on AI solutions to ensure automated plant growing and monitor food production at the same time.
Darren Whitehurst
How it works
The in-house developed EcoSense sensors, which include air, water sensors, and multispectral cameras, form a holistic monitoring system that monitors both environmental conditions and plant health and growth. Because of the modular nature of the system, it is also possible to tailor all solutions with the mix of sensors that are needed for every farm without having to install all parts.
Harvesting data from plants, the data is pushed and analyzed into the
EcoSense cloud. That data is eventually translated into recommendations and predictions, which are all sent to the farmer and accessible on a dashboard on any device. Tracking real-time photosynthesis in the plants, it transmits information to the grower about the plant's (potential) disease levels, stress, growth stage(s), algae growth, and nutrient(s) deficiency. "Our sensors are plant agnostic and work with most plant types," says Darren. EcoBloom's
sensors are easily integrated into self-made farm software systems. The monitoring and predictions allow growers to better plan their farming processes, such as harvesting, packing, and logistics. As Darren puts it, EcoSense is a combination of hardware and intuitive
software with personal consultations. All EcoSense systems are tailor-made for every farm to ensure the best possible growing results.
Price
There are different packages to choose from for all needs with an emphasis on accessibility for more growers. Price should not be a barrier to better growing, according to Ecobloom. The system is suitable for both greenhouse and vertical farms, with slight differences in how the installation works in each. "We usually sit down with the growers first to get a better view of the farm dimensions so we can better assist them in identifying the best setup." Depending on the grower's market, geography, and plants, a tailored goal is being set up per crop to make sure that growers will get the preferred outcome as they wish. The information gathered while running the farm and the farm processes are safely stored on the dashboard and will be improved from there on through algorithms. On top of the smart software, there's the human support element that Ecobloom offers,
guiding growers through the usage of their hardware and ensuring that they can fully utilize the data on offer through the dashboard.
For more information:
Ecobloom
www.ecobloom.se