Enkitek

This article details Enkitek, a farm management software company based in Spain. The interview is with Victor Canton Ferrer, CEO and founder of Enkitek.

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What technologies and metrics can be used to reduce water usage in an indoor farm?

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At Enkitek, we focus on monitoring and optimizing water usage in indoor farms. An effective metric we use is measuring the liters of water utilized per kilogram of the final product. This metric, especially when operations are digitalized, allows us to constantly monitor and ensure that water usage is efficient. It's essential to understand that the reduction in water usage primarily stems from the growing technology rather than the IoT systems. This metric helps in identifying any potential leaks or inefficiencies in the system.

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What is the best way to track energy usage?

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To effectively track energy usage, it is crucial to digitalize all operations. For instance, if a light is installed with a known energy consumption rate, this data can be integrated into the system for accurate tracking. This approach aids in measuring the energy used for various resources, helping in optimizing and reducing the overall energy consumption.

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What technologies can be used to optimize lighting in an indoor farm?

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Optimizing lighting in indoor farming involves the integration of automatic crop monitoring technologies. It’s important to gather data on how different lighting technologies affect crop quality and energy consumption. Relying solely on manufacturer specifications is not sufficient. Instead, using devices to monitor the impact of lighting changes on crops is recommended. This approach helps in making informed decisions based on reliable data.

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Are there any common mistakes in measuring lighting with third-party devices?

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While I don’t have extensive experience in this area, it’s crucial to ensure that any changes in lighting do not negatively impact the quality, flavor, or taste of the crops. It's about finding a balance between efficient lighting and maintaining crop quality.

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How can robotic technologies lower operating costs in indoor farming?

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In indoor farming, the key to leveraging robotic technologies effectively is to identify the main problematic processes and then find suitable technologies for them. This sector lacks standardization, so solutions are often unique to each farm's layout and processes. Instead of focusing on robotics alone, broader automation solutions should be considered. These might include efficient seeding or planting stations, which can be more effective than using a single robot for multiple tasks.

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How can AI lower operating costs in indoor farming?

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The application of AI in indoor farming varies based on the farm’s size. For larger operations, AI can be beneficial for tasks like crop monitoring using computer vision, which can reduce the need for manual inspections. AI can also be integrated with robotic systems for more precise control. In the future, AI could also play a significant role in optimizing growing conditions by analyzing large datasets to suggest improvements in farming practices.

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What are your thoughts on disease detection with IoT devices?

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Currently, we use visible light cameras for disease detection, but this method has limitations. Advanced technologies like multispectral cameras can detect diseases more effectively, but they are expensive. Collaboration with research centers can help in identifying specific wavelengths for disease detection, leading to the development of more cost-effective sensors. This approach is still in the research phase and requires significant investment and experimentation.

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Any general tips or insights from your experience in the industry?

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1. Problem-Oriented Approach: Focus on identifying real problems before looking for technological solutions.
2. Avoid FOMO: Don’t be swayed by market trends; instead, concentrate on your specific needs.
3. Start Simple: Tackle simple problems with simple solutions and evolve from there.
4. Regular Milestones: Set frequent milestones to track progress and adapt as needed.
5. People-Centric Projects: Involve and communicate with your team from the start. The success of a project often hinges on the people involved, not just the technology.

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These insights are based on my 20 years of experience in the industry, where understanding the core issues and addressing them effectively has always been key to success.

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Where can people learn more about Enkitek?

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Those interested in learning more about Enkitek can start with our website.

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