Smart plant sensing for sustainable yields

Protected cultivation and indoor farming

Rising energy costs, increasing weather extremes and crop failures are making the effects of climate change on agriculture ever clearer. At the same time, global crises and a high dependency on imports are putting pressure on the security of supply of high-quality agricultural products for the pharmaceutical and food industries. The agricultural sector is facing the challenge of repositioning itself. However, the safe and high-yield cultivation of plants that meet the quality requirements of the processing industry, trade and consumers requires precisely coordinated growing conditions. Energy-efficient, smart lighting control and a supply of nutrients adapted to the respective environment are essential for maximizing the yield per area.

Fraunhofer UMSICHT advises on all aspects of indoor farming and develops AI-supported technologies so that you can predict the yield of your crops more accurately, optimize cultivation conditions and actively intervene in the cultivation process in protected cultivation. Our innovative measurement concepts are designed to record the condition of the plants without contact and in real time. In this way, we create the basis for precise cultivation management that can be adapted to the requirements of the producers and the needs of the plants.

• Non-contact measurement of content and active ingredient concentrations in real time
• Detection of nutrient deficiencies
• Determination of light requirements
• Advice on technical implementation and component design for indoor farms
• Trials in protected cultivation (light recipes, crop management, nutrients, plant stress)
• Translation of the results into the necessary hardware for your application

"We develop innovative technologies and concepts to promote sustainable plant cultivation and increase the efficiency of indoor farming systems."

Saving resources and increasing product quality

Fraunhofer UMSICHT combines comprehensive, interdisciplinary expertise in modern agricultural research. In close cooperation with our customers, we develop tailor-made solutions that minimize the use of resources on the one hand and improve product quality on the other. We have various sized climate chambers and a photonics laboratory available for tests under controlled conditions. We carry out practical tests in our modern rooftop greenhouse. Throughout the entire project phase, we work closely with our in-house analytical laboratory. Our range of services is supplemented by our own digitization platform, which is used to store, analyze and visualize the measurement data.  

From strategic consulting in the field of indoor farming to the development of customized sensor systems for controlled and semi-controlled forms of cultivation and the implementation of complete system concepts - we provide you with targeted and practical support in the design, analysis and further development of your farming systems. Our aim is to support your company with scientific know-how and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The size of the company does not matter – whether it is a start-up, a medium-sized company or a DAX-listed corporation. With professional research and development services and the right component design, we ensure that your next major investment is based on a sound foundation.

• Contract research
• Development
• Licensing of our know-how or our property rights
• Scientific support