Robots grow and package lettuce year-round in Norway's fully automated farm
Norway's first fully automated facility for vegetable production was put into operation last fall. This spring, the first products hit store shelves.
Last fall, Norway inaugurated its first fully automated greenhouse for vegetable production. Himmelgrønt AS, a collaboration between supermarket chain Coop Norge and technology firm Avisomo, is responsible for operating this facility in Gardermoen, near Oslo. The automated system manages every aspect of lettuce cultivation, from sowing to packaging, without any human intervention.
This innovative approach ensures a consistent supply of fresh produce year-round, eliminating the need for imports and reducing pesticide usage. The lettuce, grown using vertical farming techniques, enjoys a shelf life of up to 12 weeks, significantly extending its availability in stores. As a result, supermarkets can offer a wider variety of salad products, potentially boosting customer sales.
The automation process also addresses labor shortages in Norway by minimizing the need for human workers, thereby improving safety conditions. Additionally, the technology can be adapted for growing other vegetables like berries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Researchers from SINTEF are exploring the potential for further automation in Norway, aiming to scale up production and make vertical farming a more attractive and sustainable option for the country's agriculture sector.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
