Farm labour shortages in greenhouses across the Mediterranean could be tackled by investing in robots designed to take on labour-intensive tasks like harvesting, pruning and spraying crops, say researchers.
The Mediterranean accounts for about 40% of the world’s greenhouses, producing high-value crops like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers that are exported across Europe.
However, the sector has faced persistent challenges in recent years, including a decline in the rural workforce, limited training, and health risks associated with applying pesticides manually.
Researchers from the University of Almeria say robotic systems could address these issues in future by automating tasks that require significant amounts of labour, potentially improving productivity, safety, and cutting costs in the long run.
In a paper looking at the feasibility of greenhouses in the Mediterranean, published in Smart Agricultural Technology, the researchers said the initial investment in robotic technology — a fully functioning harvesting robot ranges from €50,000 to €100,000 — currently makes the systems unprofitable for many.
However, developments in the sector mean costs are likely to decrease significantly in the coming years, making them a viable option for more and more growers.
And while there are still gaps in technical and legal aspects associated with collecting data, strong interest in developing regulations around the technology should ensure robots will become part of sustainable farming in the Mediterranean.
Improving accuracy
With more technology being specifically developed to suit greenhouses’ low growing systems, which feature corridors of plants and soft soils, the researchers said automation can increasingly tackle a growing number of tasks without damaging fragile produce.
Robots equipped with sensors and advanced computer vision systems can identify ripe crops, pick them with minimal damage, and even sort them based on size and quality.
Systems like robotic arms fitted with soft grippers can safely handle delicate produce without bruising rely on machine learning, with the technology’s accuracy improving over time as more data is collected.
Similarly, pesticide-spraying robots equipped with LiDAR and thermal imaging can navigate greenhouse rows autonomously, precisely targeting areas with pesticides infestation — an approach that could cut pesticide use by almost a third (30%).
Training and adaptation
While there are potential long-term cost savings and environmental benefits to be gained, the researchers noted that implementing robotic systems successfully would require a shift in the way greenhouse systems are run.
Farm staff would need training to ensure they are comfortable in operating, troubleshooting, and maintain machines.
And while integrating robotics into agriculture could appeal to younger generations, who might otherwise overlook farming due to its perceived lack of innovation, it is important that businesses take a balanced approach so that older farm staff aren’t forced out by technology.
To support businesses, governments and agricultural organisations should offer retraining programs to help workers transition into roles that see them managing and maintaining technology, the researchers said.
Support networks should also be set up to help growers troubleshoot problems and share experiences, while programs to offer businesses the chance to co-own technology would also be beneficial, they said.
While robotics in greenhouses will be “totally feasible in future”, the researchers noted that they shouldn’t be viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution.
Smaller greenhouses, which dominate parts of the Mediterranean, might struggle to justify the investment, while legal and regulatory frameworks for using AI-driven robots in agriculture are still evolving.
Farmers should be aware of potential data privacy concerns when using robotic systems with cloud-based functionalities, they added. Ensuring compliance with local and international laws will be crucial as the technology becomes more widespread.
