Connectivity essential for future control

High-tech greenhouses are becoming more and more complex every day. The traditional climate computer is managing all processes, collecting the climate data and steering the equipment and actuators. Today we see, both onsite and online, more applications and sensors available for growers. Therefore, the connectivity and seamless integration of all these applications from different suppliers have become essential for growers to stay in full control and maximize their growing results. Having a climate computer that can connect with all these applications is therefore essential.

Historic perspective

The current suppliers of high-tech climate computers have been developing their systems over the past 50 years from simple ventilation or irrigation controllers to fully integrated control systems. Today’s systems are capable to manage the climate, energy and water processes in high- and mid-tech greenhouses within one centralized controller. The growers demand for one overall dashboard has led to the development of closed systems where data sharing and connectivity was not supported by most climate computer suppliers. 

Connectivity essential

Today, we see some suppliers take small steps to share limited data sets and allow some third-party sensors or AI providers to connect with their climate computers. However, they are limiting the connectivity and data sharing with false arguments on data security and system reliability. For the progress and benefit of future greenhouse control, connectivity and open eco-systems are essential for the integration of all the new features and suppliers. 

Good examples

On the Data & Tech stage of the GreenTech Amsterdam 2025, four tech companies presented a shared vision on connectivity for future greenhouse control. Each supplier, with their own expertise, is integrating their data driven solutions into one overall control system. Together, these companies have already many customers that are using their applications in their greenhouses.

• Ridder (NL) is providing its new Hortimax Pro climate computer with an open, secure and connected data platform.
• Blue Radix (NL) is providing cloud-based AI solutions for optimizing the climate and irrigation crop strategy.
• Gardin (UK) is providing optical plant sensors and AI to give deep insight photosynthetic rates to optimize production.
• Cosmos (CN) is providing a cloud data platform and labor management systems for greenhouse management and automation.

Benefits for growers

Connected control and external smart sensor and AI solutions brings real, tangible value to growers:

• Freedom of choice – Pick the AI partner or solution that fits best. No vendor lock-in.
• Seamless integration – Real-time data access and control through the two-way open platform.
• Smarter decisions, tailored solutions – AI tools can be customized to match each grower’s crop strategy and setup.
• Data security & control – Growers own their data. Main switch always gives them full control.

At the end of the day, it’s about enabling growers to grow smarter, on their terms.