Bringing climate control for every grower with a wireless system

High-tech greenhouses are equipped with a wide range of modern technology, with data from these systems converging in the grower’s climate computer. This has been standard practice for years, but is far from universal. Spain-based SmartPath has developed a climate control tool aimed at giving low- and mid-tech growers access to the same capabilities. “We were surprised that a tool for these growers didn’t already exist,” say José Fernando and Francesc, speaking at GreenTech Amsterdam.

At the trade show, the Spanish company demonstrated the system. It is already in use in a greenhouse in Northern Ireland, as well as at operations in Spain and Mexico. “For the project in Northern Ireland, where the climate is challenging with a lot of rain, we even developed an instant storm response feature. It lets the grower control greenhouse ventilation ahead of rainfall, rather than reacting only once it has already started raining.”

SmartPath combines hardware and software. Central to the system is the SmartPath Box, which makes it possible to connect both existing and new technology – such as new sensors – wirelessly. The system runs on a dedicated 4G signal used to control connected equipment, with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi available as backup connections. It can be scaled up by adding additional SmartPath Boxes. Once installed, growers can control their systems wirelessly from a central point.