Does 5G Wireless Technology Have Potential for the Greenhouse Industry?
May 19, 2023 The University of Windsor’s Agriculture UWindsor initiative, in collaboration with global communications technology company TELUS and the Horticultural Technology Center & Academy (HORTECA) in Southwestern Ontario, has announced a joint research agreement to explore the efficacy and economics of wireless networks in a fully operational greenhouse facility.
The study, funded with support from the Greenhouse Technology Network, aims to uncover the benefits and challenges of using wireless networks in commercial greenhouse environments. The Smart Greenhouse market, including the automation and data collection of everything including lights, environmental controls, and packaging systems, is expected to boom from $1.6 billion in 2022 to $2.9 billion by 2027.
As part of the project, researchers will conduct experiments to assess wireless network performance and equipment in various real-life scenarios, including variations in humidity levels and plant density, to support the further development of advanced technologies, automation and data systems needed to operate a modern greenhouse.
The research will be conducted at HORTECA’s cutting-edge greenhouse facility in Kingsville, Ontario, and will be supported with TELUS’ latest 5G wireless network technology. Access to this fully functional greenhouse facility presents a unique opportunity for researchers to test against real-life scenarios that are not present in traditional lab environments.
“Growers have always adopted technology to grow food more efficiently. Connectivity will enable the move to new systems, data and automation and help make the most of the resources we have,” says Dr. Rashid Rashidzadeh, principal researcher behind the study from the University of Windsor.
Agriculture UWindsor launched in October 2022 with the announcement of a partnership with HORTECA to operationalize the two-acre facility to bring research from the classroom and lab into the real world. The University initiative is built around supporting the Windsor/Essex agriculture industry with collaborative applied research programs and learning opportunities.
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