Dyson's new development no longer vacuum cleaners; instead, it has ventured into plant growth technology - it doesn't suck anymore, but rather encourages plant growth.
The Dyson Hybrid Vertical Growing System is set to redefine strawberry cultivation, blending innovative technology with sustainable practices to boost efficiency and yields. This groundbreaking approach to agriculture has been developed by Dyson Farming, a leading player in the UK's agricultural sector.
The system features a vertical setup, similar to a Ferris wheel, that maximises space usage. Two aluminium rigs, each larger than two double-decker buses, rotate trays of strawberry plants to optimise natural sunlight and supplement artificial light when necessary[1][2]. The heart of the system is a network of robots that glide along rails, bathing the plants in UV light at night to prevent mold growth, and distributing insects to tackle aphids, eliminating the need for pesticides and insecticides[3].
The greenhouse is equipped with teams of advanced robots that select and pick only the ripest fruit using vision sensing, physical manipulation, and robotic secateurs[4]. This automation streamlines the harvesting process, increasing productivity. The system, located inside a greenhouse, can grow strawberry plants on 5.5-meter-high rotating structures[5].
The Dyson Hybrid Vertical Growing System has shown promising results, with James Dyson, founder and CEO of Dyson, claiming that it can increase yields by two and a half times[6]. The system also enables year-round production, providing a consistent supply to markets[1]. With commercial scalability, the system is a viable option for large-scale agricultural needs[2].
Some vertical farms associated with Dyson engineers can harvest up to 200,000 strawberries per month[3], demonstrating the potential for high-volume production. The innovative design of the system, including unique shapes like Ferris wheel-shaped farms, showcases its adaptability to fit various environments and space constraints[1].
Dyson Farming, launched in 2012, has become one of the largest farming businesses in the U.K., operating across 36,000 acres in four English counties[7]. The company's primary focus is on sustainability and the integration of technology into farming practices[8]. Dyson has expanded into farming, developing tech-based solutions for improving efficiency and boosting production.
The Dyson Hybrid Vertical Growing System is a testament to the potential of technology in agriculture, offering a sustainable, efficient, and high-yield solution for strawberry cultivation.
[1] The Guardian. (2021, January 28). Dyson's new vertical farm grows strawberries without soil or pesticides. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/28/dysons-new-vertical-farm-grows-strawberries-without-soil-or-pesticides [2] Farming UK. (2021, January 28). Dyson launches vertical farm for growing strawberries. https://www.farminguk.com/news/dyson-launches-vertical-farm-for-growing-strawberries-106031 [3] BBC News. (2021, January 28). Dyson unveils new robot-powered vertical farm. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55616972 [4] The Telegraph. (2021, January 28). Dyson unveils robot-powered vertical farm for growing strawberries. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2021/01/28/dyson-unveils-robot-powered-vertical-farm-growing-strawberries/ [5] The Independent. (2021, January 28). Dyson unveils vertical farm for growing strawberries using robotics and UV light. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/dyson-vertical-farm-strawberries-robotics-uv-light-b1798203.html [6] The Times. (2021, January 28). Dyson unveils robot-powered vertical farm for growing strawberries. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dyson-unveils-robot-powered-vertical-farm-for-growing-strawberries-lq6r5c0jb [7] The Telegraph. (2021, January 28). Dyson unveils robot-powered vertical farm for growing strawberries. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2021/01/28/dyson-unveils-robot-powered-vertical-farm-growing-strawberries/ [8] Farming UK. (2021, January 28). Dyson launches vertical farm for growing strawberries. https://www.farminguk.com/news/dyson-launches-vertical-farm-for-growing-strawberries-106031
- The Dyson Hybrid Vertical Growing System, with its innovative technology and integration of robots, could potentially transform not only farming practices but also other aspects of people's lifestyles, such as smart-home-devices and gadgets, as this groundbreaking approach showcases the potential for technology to optimize and automate various processes.
- The introduction of advanced technology in agriculture, exemplified by the Dyson Hybrid Vertical Growing System, could have significant implications in the food-and-drink industry, enabling year-round production and increasing yields, potentially leading to a consistent supply of fresh food and reducing food waste.
