Artificial Intelligence for the Management of Plant Factories

The global population, projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, intensifies food security challenges due to rapid urbanization and the limitations of conventional agriculture. Innovative systems such as plant factories, urban agriculture, and vertical farming present sustainable solutions for urban food production by optimizing resources and reducing environmental impact. Plant factories, with controlled environments and vertical stacking, offer high output, efficiency, and year-round production with minimal pollution. The integration of the Internet of Things facilitates intelligent control, real-time monitoring, and interconnectivity, advancing smart agriculture. Artificial intelligence (AI) further transforms plant factory management with technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision. AI precisely regulates growth factors, ensuring optimal crop conditions, improved yields, and quality. It detects and mitigates issues like pests and nutrient deficiencies, reducing losses. AI also enhances resource efficiency by minimizing water, energy, and fertilizer use, lowering costs, and improving sustainability. Automation of tasks such as planting and harvesting reduces labour dependence and errors, boosting productivity. Despite challenges like high initial costs, data privacy concerns, and the need for skilled personnel, AI’s transformative potential in plant industrial management is vast. As AI technologies become more accessible, they are expected to drive innovation in sustainable farming, addressing global food demands while fostering resilient food systems. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of plant factories and the integration of AI in their management, highlighting their role in shaping sustainable agricultural practices for the future.