Automation in protected crops

Automation in protected crops

This Learning Object is part of the improvements to Spanish Master’s and Bachelor degrees in Agricultural and Industrial Engineering fields developed within AGRITECH EU project. New content and methodological approaches involve sustainability (e.g. warehouse, conceptual models, data analysis, labour productivity, LCA), automation (VR & AR) and application scenarios  (VR & AR, virtual and interactive tools)

For more information about the programmes click here

Module details

The course introduces students to automated sensing, monitoring, and control systems that regulate key variables such as climate, irrigation, lighting, and nutrient delivery. Emphasis is placed on integrating digital tools, data‑driven decision‑making, and intelligent infrastructure to improve efficiency, sustainability, and crop performance in controlled agricultural systems.


Proposer: University of Almeria (UAL)

Organization: Universidad de Almeria (UAL)

Duration: 30h

ECTS: 3

Tools required:
ControlXpert, Interactive tools
Matlab, Interactive tools
Virtual reality

Shortcut access code: No

Year of pubblication: 2026

Topics

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Subject areas:

Delivery methods: In Person

Teaching methods: Lectures, Others

Languages: ,

Learning objectives
  • Understanding of the fundamentals of automation
  • Introduction to automated sensing, monitoring, and control systems that regulate key variables such as climate, irrigation, lighting, and nutrient delivery
  • Integrating digital tools, data‑driven decision‑making, and intelligent infrastructure to improve efficiency, sustainability, and crop performance in controlled agricultural systems
     
  • Modeling and control of dynamic systems

    Fundamental principles of modeling dynamic systems using mathematical tools


    Description: The unit introduces students to the systematic representation and control of real‑world dynamic processes. Through practical examples, learners gain the ability to model system dynamics, assess performance, and apply basic control methods to achieve stable and efficient operation in engineering applications.
    Duration: 15h
    Teacher: José Luis Pardo Alonso
    Delivery method: In Person
    Teaching method: Lectures
    Required tools: ControlXpert, Interactive tools

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  • Automating production processes in greenhouses

    Principles and technologies used to control key production processes inside greenhouses


    Description: This module focuses on the principles and technologies used to control key production processes inside greenhouses. It covers climate regulation, fertigation and irrigation control, energy management, and the integration of sensor networks for real‑time monitoring. Students learn how control algorithms, actuators, and decision‑support systems work together to maintain optimal growing conditions, enhance crop uniformity, and improve resource efficiency.
    Duration: 12h 30m
    Teacher: Jorge Antonio Sánchez Molina
    Delivery method: In Person
    Teaching method: Lectures
    Required tools: Matlab, Interactive tools

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  • Visit to a greenhouse with automation systems installed

    This activity provides students with direct exposure to a modern greenhouse equipped with advanced automation technologies


    Description: This unit offers a combined real and virtual visit to the Agroconnect.es greenhouse, enabling students to understand how automation technologies function in practical settings. By interacting with both the physical installation and the VR environment, learners gain a comprehensive view of how sensors, controllers, and actuators are integrated to maintain optimal production conditions. The activity reinforces theoretical knowledge through immersive observation and hands‑on interpretation of greenhouse automation systems.
    Duration: 2h 30m
    Teacher: Jorge Antonio Sánchez Molina
    Delivery method: In Person
    Teaching method: Others
    Required tools: Virtual reality

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