Regio Deal Noord-Limburg accelerates research into robotics, AI, and autonomous cultivation
With funding from the Regio Deal Noord-Limburg II, Maastricht University is stepping up its ambitions in Venlo. Thanks to this investment, the university can further expand its research into robotics and artificial intelligence for autonomous systems in horticulture.
The €4.18 million funding enables the continued development of Brightlands High Tech Agro, where scientists from various disciplines collaborate to shape the future of greenhouse farming. With growing demand for sustainable food and the associated need for (scarce) labour, the horticulture sector faces major change, in which digitalisation and robots will play a crucial role.
Positive change
At the Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo, Maastricht University (UM) and its partners have long been preparing for this evolving horticultural landscape. Examples include the establishment of the Nick Bos Greenhouse and Brightlands High Tech Agro (both made possible by Regio Deal Noord-Limburg I and UM investments), as well as the introduction of the new Bachelor’s in Sustainable Bioscience and the Master’s in Crop Biotechnology and Engineering.
In the Nick Bos Greenhouse, researchers focus on fundamental studies of plant growth and genetics. At Brightlands High Tech Agro, engineers explore the use of robots, drones, and autonomous systems in agriculture and horticulture. With the new funding from Regio Deal Noord-Limburg II, these two areas of research can integrate further. To achieve this, the university will build a second facility: a greenhouse for autonomous cultivation combined with an advanced robotics lab.
Plants meet robots
Leading the research are biologists from the Brightlands Future Farming Institute (BFFI) and engineers from the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS). BFFI brings expertise in plant biology, genetics, and crop breeding, while DACS contributes extensive experience in robotics, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation.
Céline Nicole, one of the lead researchers at BHTA, emphasises the importance of the multidisciplinary research enabled by phase two: "Collaboration is essential. We need horticulture specialists, data experts, and automation engineers to share knowledge and combine technologies. Only then can we create sustainable, efficient food systems." Her colleague, lead researcher Rico Möckel, looks forward to working with robots: "Robots can run experiments and collect data 24/7, without human bias or fatigue. This allows us to compress decades of research into just a few years, helping us address food security challenges faster than ever."
Autonomous greenhouse
Collaboration between disciplines is therefore central to all research. This holistic approach to the horticulture of tomorrow drives mutual reinforcement of innovation and progress. Ultimately, the researchers aim to develop an autonomous greenhouse where robots and drones tend and harvest plants with minimal human intervention. In this way, Maastricht University seeks to contribute to solving challenges related to food security and sustainability.
Additionally, autonomous technologies for agriculture and horticulture are expected to benefit two other prominent sectors in Noord-Limburg: logistics and manufacturing. Maastricht University is proactively seeking collaboration in these areas, as well as with other educational and knowledge institutions in the region.
Also read
-
Appointments of Dr. Katrien Bernaerts and Dr. Jules Harings as full professor at AMIBM
It is with great pleasure and proud to announce the recent appointments of Dr Katrien Bernaerts (per 1-2-2026) and Dr. Jules Harings (per 1-12-2025) as full professor at the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM).Researchers
-
DigiMach: Digital Transformation of the Machining Value Chain for Sustainable Growth
DigiMach is a transnational 3-year collaborative approach that will transform manufacturing across the Meuse-Rhine region by bringing AI, IoT, and robotics to small and medium-sized enterprises in the machining sector. The project will assist more than 150 SMEs to adopt smart, digital tools, through...Researchers
-
Working at UM: “a life-changing experience”
"I am proud that our new Circular Plastics group published its first completely in-house research," Kim Ragaert says. She founded the research group three years ago, when she moved to Maastricht. Her work has laid the foundations for many innovations in the field of plastic recycling, and she is...Featured andResearchers
