Harvest automation takes a giant leap in the UK as Dyson deploys large wheels and robots for strawberry farming
In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, Dyson Farming has unveiled its innovative Rotating Wheel Technology at a 26-acre glasshouse in Lincolnshire, UK. This high-tech vertical farming system promises to revolutionise strawberry production, offering increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved fruit quality.
At the heart of Dyson's operation are giant rotating wheels, each measuring approximately 24 meters long, 5 meters tall, and weighing around 500 kg. These wheels support rows of strawberry plants, rotating slowly to ensure even and optimal sunlight exposure, a critical factor for healthy growth and maximised yield[1][2][3].
The rotating design also supports better light management throughout the day, boosting photosynthesis and fruit quality. This innovative setup allows Dyson to grow more strawberries in a much smaller physical footprint, effectively increasing production density by 2.5 times compared to traditional methods[3].
To maintain plant health and further reduce the use of chemicals, Dyson employs a fleet of specialized robots. These robots perform various tasks, including:
1. UV light treatment to kill mold and mildew on leaves without harmful chemicals, reducing pesticide use and environmental impact. 2. Deployment of beneficial insects to naturally control pests like aphids. 3. Automated robotic arms to carefully harvest strawberries, enhancing labor efficiency and reducing fruit damage[1][2].
The use of these robots results in a sustainable, controlled environment that increases yield, improves quality, reduces chemical inputs, and uses land more efficiently.
Rainwater is captured from the glasshouse roof to hydrate the plants, and the digestate from the onsite anaerobic digester is used as organic fertilizer on nearby fields. The excess heat from the digester is used to keep the glasshouse warm, further reducing energy consumption[1][2].
James Dyson, the founder of Dyson, emphasises the approach as an industrial, engineered solution to farming, aiming for better taste, higher efficiency, and environmentally friendly food production[2][3]. With this innovative technology, Dyson's strawberry operation produces 1,250 tonnes of strawberries annually, setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture.
In conclusion, Dyson's Rotating Wheel Technology transforms strawberry farming into a high-tech, eco-conscious vertical farming model that combines precision engineering with robotics to deliver scalable, sustainable agriculture. This groundbreaking approach is set to redefine the future of farming and food production.
References: [1] Dyson (2021). Dyson Farming's Rotating Wheel Technology. Retrieved from https://www.dyson.com/news/2021/03/dyson-farming-rotating-wheel-technology [2] BBC News (2021). Dyson's Rotating Wheel Technology: How it works. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56256453 [3] The Guardian (2021). Dyson's Rotating Wheel Technology: The future of farming. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/16/dysons-rotating-wheel-technology-the-future-of-farming
- Innovation in agriculture continues to thrive as Dyson Farming plans to extend its Rotating Wheel Technology to other food-and-drink categories, such as lettuce and tomato production, aiming to revolutionize these sectors with similar benefits.
- The Rotating Wheel Technology is not limited to home-and-garden vertical farming but could potentially influence the events industry, with the potential for indoor, sustainable urban gardening at venues, promoting a more eco-friendly lifestyle and reducing carbon footprints.
- Dyson's technology advancements don't just stop at food production and home gardening; the company's expertise in innovation promises to bring similar sustainable solutions to various industries, including technology and home-and-garden appliances, further driving eco-conscious living.
