Greenhouse data only becomes actionable when you can see and use it on site
Greenhouse data is growing rapidly, yet on the work floor there is often not enough overview to steer on it directly. In this Innovation Package 2 greenhouse horticulture project, Plantfellow and its partners demonstrated how greenhouse data can be made usable on site through immersive data visualization. A working MVP (Minimum Viable Product) was developed that links sensor data to location and time, enabling users to gain real-time, plant-level insight through a mixed reality headset. This supports training, informed discussions about cultivation choices, and next steps toward a digital twin and a more autonomous, data-driven greenhouse.
Innovation package, use case, and type of trial
Greenhouse Horticulture
Digital twin
Status: afgerond
Business case
Broad knowledge question
Growing greenhouse data only creates value when you can work with it directly
Hoe maak je groeiende kasdata direct bruikbaar op de werkvloer. De kern is gebruiksgemak op locatie, omdat data pas waarde krijgt wanneer het helpt om dagelijks betere keuzes te maken en processen gerichter te optimaliseren.How can the increasing volume of greenhouse data be made immediately usable on the work floor. The core issue is ease of use on site, because data only gains value when it helps people make better daily decisions and optimize processes more precisely.
Approach
Develop in short cycles and continuously validate in practice
The solution was developed iteratively and repeatedly tested against what works in the greenhouse. Data from multiple sources was combined and enriched with location and time, enabling visualization through mixed reality. During hands-on sessions, growers and other stakeholders provided feedback on functionality and usability. Erasmus University Rotterdam supported the research design, and an experienced developer technically realized the MVP.
Objective
A working MVP and insight into daily application
The project had two objectives. The first was to develop a working MVP that visualizes greenhouse data through mixed reality, combining sensor data, location and time to provide real-time, plant-level insight. The second was to gain insight into practical application, ease of use and the conditions required for deployment in the daily work of greenhouse staff and growers, as a step toward a digital twin.
Results and reflection
The demonstration shows immediate value and clarifies the next steps
During a demonstration at TomatoWorld, users experienced live temperature data inside a tomato greenhouse through a mixed reality headset. The response was positive and confirmed that on-site data visualization is valuable for training and for discussing and substantiating cultivation decisions.
Successful:
A functional prototype for real-time spatial data visualization in the greenhouse, focused on tomato cultivation.
Experiencing data on site supports learning and helps interpret what is happening in the greenhouse more quickly.
Lessons learned:
A clear need for additional data types and customizable visualizations tailored to role and task.
Lighter hardware is essential for integration into daily work.
Ongoing grower involvement remains critical for adoption and further expansion.