ABB says it is working with intelligent lighting technology for greenhouse and controlled plant growth environments specialist Heliospectra AB to explore solutions that will boost the productivity and the sustainability of greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture produce industry in the Middle East and Africa.

The collaboration will explore new food production technologies and commercial infrastructure, such as light control systems, refrigeration, renewables, robotics and Industry 4.0 digital technologies to increase flexibility, to address increasing demand for sustainable agricultural products while reducing costs and improving capital efficiency, the company said in a statement.

Heliospectra makes advanced light control systems using fully adjustable spectra LED technology, which accelerate food harvest cycles and time to market. It will provide the technical foundation for the new partners’ technology co-development. Additionally, the partners will create programmes for educating growers in best practices for sustainable agriculture.

“ABB is a technology pioneer in electrification and automation. This collaboration is bringing two key technology experts in creating value for both the producers and consumers,” said Mostafa AlGuezeri, managing director, UAE and Oversight Countries, ABB. “With this partnership, we will explore innovative and disruptive technologies that can optimise food production and reduce wastage. This is of immediate interest and need in the Middle East and Africa region and we are excited to be in this partnership that will possibly improve food security and water stress.”