Robotics in protected cultivation

This paper reviews robotics for protected cultivation systems. Based on a short description of the greenhouse crop production process, the current state in greenhouse mechanization and the challenges for robotics in protected cultivation are identified. Examples of current greenhouse robotics research are presented. Since the complex working environment constitutes a considerable challenge to robotics, opportunities will be identified to deal with this complexity. Solutions can be found in developing more advanced technology, including multiple sensor approaches, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence concepts and in human-robot collaboration. Alternatively, solutions can be found in modifying the working environment. The paper also pleas for the development of more generic solutions to deal with the small and very scattered markets of robots in protected cultivation.