Automation for sustainable agriculture

Innovative technologies for every phase of controlled environment agriculture

In today's agriculture, the challenges are manifold: labour shortages, rising costs and the pressure to use sustainable practices. Festo offers advanced automation technologies that enable you to work more efficiently and at the same time protect the environment. Our solutions are specially designed for the productivity of greenhouses and controlled environment agriculture. With our 100 years of experience in pneumatic and industrial electric automation, we support you with our reliable technologies for the agricultural industry,from pot handling to packaging.

Innovative automation solutions for greenhouses

We offer a wide range of automation solutions that have been specially developed for the requirements of indoor cultivation. Our technologies help you maximise efficiency and reduce costs, from accurately handling plug plants to automated transport systems.

Would you like to find out more about our solutions for greenhouse technology, agricultural robotics or other topics?

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Sensitive and precise: Automation in the production of plug plants

Each cutting is hung in a holder and transported to one of the processing cells.

Automated handling of plug plants is a key step in modern plant production. Sensitive seedlings have to be identified, carefully gripped and planted with precision – a task that requires maximum precision and speed.

Festo offers customised solutions for all these processes:

These components support machine builders with the development of efficient and powerful automation solutions for demanding environments that are reliable, precise and gentle on every plant.

Automated repotting: Solutions for modern transplanters

Transplanters

Transplanters play a key role in the modern horticultural industry. They automate the delicate transplanting of plug plants from small trays to larger trays or growing areas. These systems grip and transport seedlings, sort them according to quality and place them precisely, quickly and gently. Automation is essential to ensure the plants are evenly spaced and growing conditions are optimum.

Festo offers customised solutions for this demanding task:

  • 2-axis handling systems with servo drives CMMT-ST, stepper motors EMMT-ST and toothed belt axes ELGD-TB provide the precision required for accurately placing and sorting plants.
  • Compressed air service units (MS series) provide clean, constant compressed air for precise gripping and smooth movements.
  • Valve terminals VTUX make sure the pneumatic actuators are controlled quickly and precisely, ideal for rapidly moving and sorting plants.

The combination of clean compressed air, fast control and precise positioning forms the basis for powerful and reliable transplanters and for achieving maximum efficiency and minimising plant damage.

Automated plant transport: Increase productivity with reliable components

Automated plant transport systems are crucial for optimising the flow of materials in large nurseries and greenhouses. These systems move plants efficiently between different growth phases and processing stations, ensuring a smooth process. Plants are sorted according to size and quality and then transported to the appropriate stations. Automation reduces manual labour and increases productivity.

Festo offers sturdy and reliable components for these systems:

  • With our Simplified Motion Series, you can solve the simplest motion and positioning tasks electrically and cost-effectively.
  • Valves VUVG enable cylinders to be controlled quickly and accurately for synchronised movements.
  • Linear drives DGC-K offer smooth transport over longer distances, ideal for conveyor belts or transport between workspaces.
  • PUN-H tubing provides a reliable and efficient supply of compressed air.

These components work seamlessly together, creating a high-performance system that minimises downtime and maximises productivity.

Automation in the flower industry: Sorting and packing flowers and ornamental plants

Sorting and packing flowers is a special automation task in horticulture. Modern systems pack flowers efficiently ready for distribution. The process includes sorting by quality and variety, inserting protective sleeves and feeding the packaged flowers into downstream processes. This automation is crucial for gently processing the delicate flowers once they have been harvested and for delivering them to the consumer in optimum quality.

Festo offers electrical and pneumatic solutions for this demanding task:

  • Servo drives CMMT-ST and stepper motors EMMT-ST in combination with the toothed belt axis ELGD-TB enable synchronised movements of the robot grippers, thus guaranteeing the flowers are handled smoothly.
  • Festo gripper solutions, which are customised for different flower sizes and shapes, ensure a secure grip without causing any damage.
  • Compact cylinders ADN-S perform auxiliary tasks such as adjusting the sleeves and precisely positioning the flowers.

With a combination of electric drives, flexible grippers and reliable pneumatic components, Festo offers comprehensive automation solutions for sorting and packaging flowers and ornamental plants.

We are your automation partner for sustainable agriculture

Watch the video to discover how our customers have successfully used Festo technologies to increase productivity in their greenhouses (1:48 minutes):

Christine Marie von der Ohe

"Agriculture is becoming increasingly digitalised and electrified. Our automation solutions, both electric and pneumatic, enable precise and tactile motion applications in greenhouses as well as reliable solutions in open field farming. From harvesting aubergines to chopping onions,we are ready to master future challenges together with you!"

Christine Marie von der Ohe
Global Agriculture Business Development, Festo SE & Co KG

Get in touch with us!

Introduction to the world of hydroponics with our Festo LX course

Hydroponic cultivation system in agriculture

Agriculture faces considerable challenges, but also offers new opportunities. Hydroponics is a pioneering concept that can complement conventional food production. Learn more about hydroponics in our Festo LX course, co-financed by the European Union.

More about hydroponics