Working with AI is new for many growers and sometimes requires an adjustment in their working methods. That’s why support from an expert – especially during the start-up phase – is essential to navigate the world of autonomous climate and irrigation control. The Autonomous Greenhouse Managers at Blue Radix provide that support. “We combine AI technology, personal guidance, and crop expertise within one service, and that’s what truly sets us apart.”
Text: Jacco Strating
Photography: SiemWorks & Glenn Mostert
Tom van Koppen, Geert van der Wel, Tim Brander, and Sara Cárcamo are the four Autonomous Greenhouse Managers at Blue Radix. Together, they assist customers in using Crop Controller, the advanced AI-driven system that autonomously optimises and manages greenhouse climate and irrigation. Although Crop Controller takes a lot of work off growers’ hands, it often gives them peace of mind knowing someone is always looking over their shoulder. Tom, Geert, Tim, and Sara provide that human touch, each bringing their own knowledge and experience in greenhouse horticulture.
A Broader Audience
“As an Autonomous Greenhouse Manager, you’re the first point of contact for customers and you contribute ideas,” says Geert. “We work together and guide growers toward autonomous control with an approach that feels like on-the-job training: practical, personal, and step by step. That gives growers confidence, especially if they have no prior experience with AI. And that guidance doesn’t stop after onboarding; we remain available to brainstorm, support, and answer questions whenever needed. How are the algorithms performing? Is everything working technically as it should? Are my sensors providing accurate data? We help growers answer these questions and improve their work even further.”
Tom notes that Blue Radix’s first customers were true pioneers in greenhouse horticulture. “But autonomous growing now attracts a much broader audience. We combine AI technology with crop expertise and personal guidance within one service, and that’s what makes us unique.” This approach has certainly contributed to wider acceptance. By explaining everything clearly and involving growers in the implementation process, trust in the autonomous system grows. Of course, people need time to adjust to a new way of working, and it’s up to us to support them as best we can.”
Speaking the Grower’s Language
The four Autonomous Greenhouse Managers not only have knowledge of AI and algorithms but also extensive crop expertise and experience in greenhouse horticulture. Geert, drawing on his background as a grower’s son and former tomato grower, speaks the grower’s language. “I’ve had green fingers since childhood and gained a lot of practical experience. At Blue Radix, I use that knowledge to help growers take the digital step and better align Blue Radix technology with real-world practice. The relationship between Blue Radix and customers is very important, and my background helps strengthen that bond.”
Tim also knows horticulture inside out. After studying horticulture, he worked as a crop manager at an orchid nursery and later in young plant production at a breeder. “I gained a lot of experience there, including internationally. I’ve always found greenhouse climate management particularly interesting and challenging.” That’s what led him to Blue Radix. “When I saw the vacancy for Autonomous Greenhouse Manager, I just had to apply. As a grower, I used to set the climate computer on Fridays for the weekend, but often had to make adjustments during my free time because it was hard to predict outdoor conditions. Crop Controller anticipates changing weather conditions, so you can truly let go. The system shows what’s coming in the next few days. As an Autonomous Greenhouse Manager, you explain to growers why those choices are made. That human touch is fantastic. I wanted to take on that role because I know from experience how much value it adds in practice.”
Sara works from Spain as an Autonomous Greenhouse Manager at Blue Radix. She graduated as an agricultural engineer specialising in breeding and crop protection. In the following years, she worked in Norway, the United States, and France in various research roles before stepping into the world of data. “I always want to know how things work, how plants respond. That’s true for many growers as well. In my role at Blue Radix, I help them get acquainted with autonomous growing and understand the technology behind it.” According to Sara, there are many misconceptions about AI. “It’s important to have the right expectations and understand how it helps you in your work. AI isn’t magic, but when used appropriately, it can bring huge benefits. Personal contact helps build trust in using it.”
The Final Push
According to Geert, Blue Radix’s personal service is highly valued by customers. “Because people know we can always provide support, Crop Controller users gain more confidence. They know we’re watching and that we have the right knowledge and experience to help them. That gives many people the final push to choose autonomous growing.” Geert has a clear message for those who haven’t yet taken the step: “Don’t hesitate, go for it. The future starts now, or has already started, and these developments will only accelerate in the coming years. The influx of young, new growers is limited, so you need to anticipate in time to secure your company’s future. Crop Controller can help with that. And while the digital step may seem daunting at first, we guide you along the way and continue to support you as needed. It works very well, as we see in practice and learn from our customer research. Customers have rated our service and personal guidance with an 8.5 for five years in a row.”
