No controle: como estamos apoiando a inovação para enfrentar os desafios globais

How to continue sustainably feeding the 8 billion inhabitants of the planet requires long-term strategic planning and innovative approaches to enable food production to meet global demand.

This is also set against the background of a developing climate crisis that is radically altering cultivation methods and transforming the farming conditions previously relied upon.

A great example of how co-innovation is delivering tangible solutions to food security issues is the work undertaken by Singapore-based, Agri-Tech start-up, Singrow.

The robotics-assisted hydroponics farm is at the forefront of developing indoor vertical farming technologies to overcome food security issues and deliver effective and sustainable crop production. And its unique genome and precision agriculture platform is being used to effectively cultivate, grow, and distribute produce such as climate resilient strawberries.

At Norgren we are committed to supporting the pioneering work of such organisations and delivering breakthrough engineering for a better world.

As such, we have co-innovated with Singrow to help them realise operational efficiencies such as significant energy savings across its warehouse operations, partnering with them to drive sustainable operations that optimise its use of precious resources such as water and power.

As a result of our digital technology, visualisation tools, and system connectivity used in the business’ irrigation, lighting, and ventilation functions, Singrow has benefitted from a 40% reduction in energy savings.

Here’s how we have achieved this.

24/7 precision with Norgren’s smart technology

Our advanced technology, including Norgren digital multimedia valves, intelligent sensors, and data acquisition, has provided Singrow with continuous monitoring and control for enhanced resource optimisation. Buschjost solenoid valves precisely regulate irrigation for constant water and nutrient supply to strawberry crops. The intelligent control system automates light delivery and ventilation, ensuring ideal growth conditions. Overall, our intelligence-based system enhances critical processes, supporting round-the-clock operations in for Singrow’s vertical farming for maximum productivity.

Optimised light and ventilation for crop growth

Our intelligent control system optimises crop growth by automating artificial light delivery and precise ventilation for Singrow. The system ensures crops receive the ideal amount of light for their growth needs and conserves energy by switching off when not required. Additionally, our intelligent ventilation control maintains standardised conditions, promoting an optimal environment for thriving crops. This technology enhances sustainability and productivity in agriculture.

Data-informed farming

Our automated connectivity control system ensures the availability of real-time, intelligence-based data acquisition to inform Singrow’s decision-making. While Norgren Edge Computing capability enables remote management of Singrow’s farming operations through mobile devices, streamlining day-to-day tasks and maximising crop productivity. The constant data feedback loop enables the optimum conditions for a successful and productive yield-to-cost ratio to be achieved.

Innovative businesses such as Singrow are leading the global food producing community’s answer to rising food security risk. Its unique vertical farming operations are delivering tangible results and Norgren is playing our part in helping the company sustainably optimise its daily performance.

For more information about how Norgren is reducing its carbon footprint – and unlocking new benefits for its customers and people in the process – click here.