Blue Radix, the Dutch specialist in autonomous growing, develops AI solutions to tackle the shortage of experienced growers and sustainably feed a growing population. Its Crop Controller for Autonomous Climate & Irrigation Control cuts climate computer work by 80%, enabling growers to manage up to four times more hectares and improve work-life balance. Results include 5% higher profits, 7% better yields, 10% less water and fertilizer use, and 15% energy savings. Already winner of 10 awards and rated 8.6/10 by growers, autonomous growing isn’t a distant dream, it’s happening now worldwide, giving growers a clear advantage over the rest.
AI technology combined with personal guidance
Ronald Hoek, CEO of Blue Radix and one of the 3 co-founders, explains the rapid development of the company and its applications in an interview with Fruchthandel Magazin. Blue Radix, a spin-off of Dutch company AgroEnergy, started in 2019 with a strong team and, thanks to this foundation, launched its first working product, Crop Controller, in early 2022. Ronald explains: “Crop Controller is more than just an AI tool; it is a transformative approach to greenhouse management. It is more impactful than traditional dashboards and reporting tools. It provides complete decision automation taking over the manual execution, repetitive tasks and analyses from the grower. This enables growers to achieve optimal results without constant manual intervention.” Laurens van der Spek, Chief Operations Officer at Blue Radix, adds: “Working with AI is new for many growers and requires some adjustment, which is why personal expert support is crucial. Blue Radix’s Autonomous Greenhouse Managers combine AI technology, crop expertise, and personal guidance, and that’s what truly sets us apart.” From left to right: Rudolf de Vetten, CPO – Ronald Hoek, CEO and Laurens van der Spek COO at Blue Radix
Predictable and optimal growing conditions
As soon as growers realize that they can rely on the fact that Crop Controller is optimizing and realizing their crop strategy and is performing better than if they had to do everything themselves, trust grows quickly. During the trial period, which lasts 6 months, the grower can fully get to know the product and see that in practice the system delivers what it promises, both in terms of functions and value.” Rudolf de Vetten, Chief Product Officer at Blue Radix adds: “AI helps to process huge amounts of climate data, recorded every five minutes, to create predictable and optimal growing conditions. With AI, growers can achieve more stable crop development and higher yields while saving energy and water. It’s about creating a balanced environment for consistent results.”
Ageing population and economies of scale
Another factor contributing to the growth of AI applications in horticulture, according to Ronald Hoek, is the aging population and the decline in experienced growers within the sector. “If you have to manage 20 to 40 hectares by yourself as a grower, it is practically no longer possible to achieve the best results. Autonomous greenhouse control helps to remedy the increasing lack of expertise and still achieve the best results. This gives the grower more and more options step by step to achieve the best possible result in an efficient way. This will directly contribute to and secure the growth of food production and the industry.
Autonomously controlling climate and irrigation worldwide
‘We are a multinational AI company for horticulture with Dutch roots,’ says Ronald Hoek, who has led the company since 2019 with co-founders Rudolf de Vetten (product) and Laurens van der Spek (IT and operations). Based in Rotterdam’s Van Nelle factory, Blue Radix now autonomously controls climate and irrigation in mid- and high-tech greenhouses across more than 20 countries and all climate zones. Crop Controller transforms greenhouse management by combining advanced AI with practical applications to boost productivity and sustainability. Fully automated execution of unique crop strategies paired with personal guidance give growers a clear competitive edge.
