For the first time in the challenge’s history, Wageningen University & Research replaced all high-pressure sodium fixtures with a broad-spectrum, LED-only lighting system for its participants

Fluence, a leading global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial cannabis and food production, announced its sponsorship of Wageningen University & Research's (WUR) third Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge in the Netherlands. For the first time in the challenge's history, WUR leveraged a broad-spectrum LED-only lighting system—specifically Fluence's VYPR 3p solution—instead of high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures. WUR also implemented Fluence's innovative lighting control solution, Wireless Flex Dimming, into the facility.

Wageningen University & Research is dedicated to researching the future of agriculture by exploring autonomous greenhouse technology, climate control, crop modeling, advanced sensors, data intelligence, computer vision and robotics. Beginning in June 2021, WUR organized its third Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge to task different international teams with sustainably growing vegetables in a fully automated greenhouse environment.

"We expect that food production in greenhouse horticulture can be further improved by adding more artificial intelligence to the agricultural industry," said Silke Hemming, who leads the scientific research team for greenhouse technology at WUR, in a statement. "We make connections with international partners through this unique challenge, so that we can take major steps."

One of the challenges growers face when transitioning from HPS to LED luminaires is that a typical HPS system is limited in its dimming capabilities, unlike LED technology. By leveraging state-of-the-art, qualified Bluetooth mesh technology enabled by Technology Partner SILVAIR, Fluence's Wireless Flex Dimming solution allows growers to have precise control of dim light levels. By connecting the VYPR top light fixtures to the climate computer through Wireless Flex Dimming, the participants were empowered to implement advanced lighting control strategies that maximized plant growth and quality.

"In any greenhouse or controlled environment, the reliability of a cultivation system is paramount," said Theo Tekstra, Fluence's technical director for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Wireless Flex Dimming enables growers to simplify installation and gain solid wireless control of their light levels, whether in an autonomous scientific experiment or a large-scale greenhouse. We are now implementing this technology for customers with more than 7,000 connected fixtures."

WUR's Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge also seeks to discover how artificial intelligence can play a role in the future of cultivation, including how to reduce energy input and cost.

"The complete cultivation process is handled by AI and algorithms developed by the teams," Tekstra added. "One important input factor is the strong fluctuations in high energy prices. Fluence's Wireless Flex Dimming integration with the Ridder climate computer allows the teams to modulate the lights within their lighting strategy algorithms to optimize energy costs. Fluence's mission is to help the world grow smarter—something these incredible teams are tackling head-on. We are delighted to support WUR and this initiative with our advanced lighting solutions."

Fluence continues to demonstrate how secure, intelligent lighting solutions based on the latest technology innovations can add value to the global horticulture industry. The Wireless Flex Dimming Receiver has been awarded PSA Certified™ Level 1 (an independent measurement of security best practices spearheaded by Arm) from Riscure. PSA Certified is recognized by the DesignLights Consortium as an approved cybersecurity standard for networked lighting control systems.

Results from the challenge will be published in July 2022. To follow the competing teams' progress, visit WUR's greenhouse challenge dashboard here. For more information on Fluence and its portfolio of controls and luminaires, visit www.fluence.science.

About Fluence

Fluence Bioengineering, Inc. (Fluence) creates powerful and energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial crop production and research applications. Fluence is a leading LED lighting supplier in the global cannabis market and is committed to enabling more efficient crop production with the world's top vertical farms and greenhouse produce growers. Fluence global headquarters are in Austin, Texas, with its EMEA headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Fluence operates as a business unit within Signify's Digital Solutions division. For more information about Fluence, visit www.fluence.science.