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From industry 4.0 to urban agriculture 4.0: the case of SLC Agricola’ smart greenhouse

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  • Geneci Silva Ribeiro Rocha

    (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
    Atitus Education, Business School)

  • Diego Durante Mühl

    (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS))

  • Letícia Oliveira

    (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
    Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS))

Abstract

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) practices have expanded into agricultural settings, giving rise to Agriculture 4.0 (A4.0) as a promising domain for smart greenhouses. However, few studies have examined how I4.0 and A4.0 align in this context. This study addresses that gap by investigating similarities and differences between I4.0 and A4.0 in a smart greenhouse through a case study at SLC in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Data from interviews, observations, and online sources were analysed using content analysis. Findings indicate that the greenhouse integrates three subsystems—mechanical, electronic, and communication—enabling sensors to monitor environmental parameters and automated actuators to adjust conditions. While no major technological barriers emerged, production time and available cultivation areas constrain scalability. Nevertheless, adopting advanced technologies in smart greenhouses supports food security, sustainability, and urban resilience by reducing manual intervention, optimising resource use, and enhancing overall efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Geneci Silva Ribeiro Rocha & Diego Durante Mühl & Letícia Oliveira, 2025. "From industry 4.0 to urban agriculture 4.0: the case of SLC Agricola’ smart greenhouse," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 45(1), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:45:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10669-024-09999-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-024-09999-2
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