Bemuke: IoT monitoring for vertical farms
The Bemuke PoC connected sensors, PLC controllers, MQTT, and a web app for managing growing conditions.
Background
The project was inspired by a client who envisioned vertical farms in shopping centres and supermarkets. The goal was to grow fresh produce such as lettuce and herbs on site - reducing environmental impact and delivering fresher products. The Proof of Concept aimed to revolutionise urban farming, solve logistics challenges, and increase sustainability.
Project goals and challenges
Goals:
- Develop a modular growing system easy to install in supermarkets
- Monitor and control humidity, lighting, and temperature to optimise plant growth
- Build a central data collection and analytics system for better decisions
Challenges:
- Integrate multiple technologies for reliable data collection and analysis
- Design a scalable, user-friendly interface
- Ensure robust data security and future scalability
Technical solution
Architecture overview:
Sensors and PLC controllers
The system uses advanced sensors to monitor humidity, light levels, and temperature. Sensors connect to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that act as the system brain - collecting and processing real-time data for optimal growing conditions.
MQTT broker
Hosted in the cloud, the MQTT broker is the central communication hub - moving data from PLCs to the web application, managing queues for reliable, loss-free transmission.
Central web application
The management hub pulls data from the MQTT broker, analyses it, and presents intuitive visualisations - real-time tables and charts for easy monitoring and control.
System integration:
Sensor data collection
Sensors across the vertical farm communicate with PLCs, collecting real-time environmental readings - humidity, light intensity, and temperature critical for optimal growth.
MQTT broker configuration
PLC data is sent to the cloud MQTT broker, which manages secure, efficient flow to the central web application.
Central application design
The web app is user-friendly and functional - pulling MQTT data, storing it in a robust database, and showing clear interactive visualisations with real-time and historical trends.
Data analytics and control:
Real-time monitoring
The system delivers comprehensive environmental data. Via the web app, users view real-time humidity, light, and temperature in accessible tables and charts showing current conditions and trends.
Adjustable parameters
Users can adjust humidity, light intensity, and temperature through the web app - optimising yields and product quality.
Proof of Concept results
During initial PoC testing in the client environment, GMI Software proved it could integrate advanced technologies into a robust system for real-time data collection, analysis, and visualisation - confirming reliability for supermarket vertical farm requirements.
Comprehensive data collection
The PoC achieved data collection levels impossible with standalone PLCs alone. Advanced sensors and a central data system enabled continuous, detailed monitoring and long-term pattern analysis previously invisible.
Better decision-making
Rich analytics improved decisions. Historical trends and real-time data let users adjust farm parameters precisely - leading to optimal growth, higher yields, and better quality. Historical data also supports predictive analysis to prevent issues before they affect performance.
Future development plans
The client plans further expansion and scaling. Directions include:
- AI integration: advanced analytics and pattern recognition
- Broader deployment: beyond supermarkets to larger-scale agriculture
- Strategic partnerships: production, logistics, and technology firms for scalability
Summary
The PoC is a major step forward in urban agriculture. Using modern technology, GMI Software and a visionary client built a system that changes how fresh produce is grown, distributed, and consumed in cities.
The modular vertical farm system addresses traditional challenges - long supply chains and transport costs - while promoting sustainability. Advanced sensors, real-time analytics, and a user-friendly web app deliver optimal growing conditions and fresher products in supermarkets.
This approach could transform urban landscapes - supermarkets as green spaces where food is grown on site. PoC success paves the way for urban farming as everyday reality: fresher food closer to consumers, stronger food security, and more sustainable cities.
Get in touch with us
Ready to transform your agricultural operations? Contact GMI Software today to learn how we can help realise your vision for sustainable farming.
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