PLANTBOT: AI AND ROBOTICS FOR AUTOMATED FLORICULTURE
Authors: G. Lykokanellos, A. Liopa-Tsakalidi, G. Salachas, V. Thomopoulos and I. Lagogiannis
G. Lykokanellos: University of Patras, Dept. of Agriculture, Mesologhi, Greece.
A. Liopa-Tsakalidi: University of Patras, Dept. of Agriculture, Mesologhi, Greece.
G. Salachas: University of Patras, Dept. of Agriculture, Mesologhi, Greece.
V. Thomopoulos: University of Patras Dept. of Computer Engineering, Patras, Greece.
I. Lagogiannis: ELGO – Demeter, Plant Protection Division of Patras, Patras, 26442, Greece.
ABSTRACT
Floriculture is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to address rising global demand, labor shortages, and sustainability challenges. This paper presents PlantBot, a fully automated robotic nursery system designed to optimize the cultivation of high-value ornamental and edible plants in controlled environments. The system combines robotic arms, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), machine vision, IoT-based sensors, and cloud-based AI algorithms to automate the entire plant production cycle—from substrate preparation and sowing to harvesting and distribution. PlantBot enables real-time environmental monitoring, plant health diagnostics, and adaptive resource management, significantly increasing productivity, improving product consistency, and reducing labor costs and environmental impact. Through pilot implementation in a semi-industrial greenhouse, the system demonstrated its potential to revolutionize nursery operations and set a scalable model for future sustainable floriculture and edible plant production.
Keywords: Floriculture; automation; artificial intelligence; internet of things; robotics; edible flowers