One shared reference point in the greenhouse gives systems a common frame of referencet
Autonomous systems are rapidly becoming more common in greenhouse horticulture. Yet robots, sensors and crop management software often contradict each other when it comes to spatial positioning. Without a shared basis for x, y and z coordinates, collaboration remains inefficient, comparing data takes time and scaling applications is difficult. At Tomatoworld, a first version of the Hortivationpoint has therefore been tested: a fixed reference point for positioning within the greenhouse. The results provide practical direction and clearly indicate which steps are needed to make this work on a broader scale.
Innovatiepakket, use case en type test
Glastuinbouw
Collectieve data
Status: completed
Business case
BC-3
Broad research question
Why a single reference point makes a difference in the greenhouse
The core question is straightforward: does a standardized reference point used by all systems in the greenhouse work in practice? If every system reads the same coordinates, linking data becomes easier and autonomous systems can locate each other reliably. This reduces integration noise and makes it possible to deploy applications from different suppliers side by side without greenhouse-specific customisation.
Approach
From design to implementation in Tomatoworld
An MVP was defined and implemented in the field lab. The geometry of Tomatoworld was captured in accordance with ISSO 88, ensuring that the reference point aligns with commonly used greenhouse data. The Hortivationpoint was then physically installed and objects from NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood partners were linked to it. This created a measurable chain from object to location that can be tested in real-world conditions.
Objective
Testing applicability and increasing ease of use
The goal was not perfection, but proof that the concept works in the daily operational environment of Tomatoworld. By defining the reference point and linking objects to it, it becomes clear whether systems interpret location data consistently. This shows whether the Hortivationpoint can be a step towards standardisation and repeatable use in other greenhouses.
Results and reflection
First version delivered and clear insight into next steps
The MVP Hortivationpoint has been delivered at Tomatoworld, with fixed x, y and z coordinates defined in relation to the CASTA data. Visitors can see the reference point in the field lab, which helps make agreements tangible and facilitates discussions with suppliers and crop teams.
Successful outcomes:
The reference point is physically present and linked to greenhouse data, making the foundation verifiable in practice.
Initial links with partner objects have been established, improving comparability of location-based data sharing.
The open field lab approach provides a shared starting point for further validation and adoption.
Lessons learned:
Suppliers do not yet automatically send their data to a single central environment; alignment and tooling are required.
Technical validation using combined robot and sensor data in one data pool will follow, to test stability and accuracy over time.
Deployment requires clear documentation and simple procedures so teams can apply the reference point quickly and consistently.