Cluster autonomous green management
The Netherlands manages more than 2 million hectares of roadsides, dikes and waterways every year. That system is under pressure. Personnel are scarce, professional knowledge is disappearing and biodiversity goals require precision rather than a large-scale standard approach.
Autonomous systems enable a different way of working. By first accurately measuring what is growing and living, and only intervening where necessary, management becomes more selective, scalable and ecologically sound. Biodiversity thus becomes not a policy goal on paper, but a control variable in implementation.
In the northern Netherlands, it is happening
The Northern Netherlands has a strong combination of mechanical engineering, geo-knowledge and direct access to living labs at water boards and provinces. This knowledge and ambition come together in the Cluster Autonomous Green Management.
Within the cluster, area owners and implementers, software companies, machine builders, system integrators and knowledge institutions work together. They form a chain in which observation, analysis and execution are connected.
EDIH Northern Netherlands acts as a connector and accelerator. Through matchmaking, knowledge sharing and access to research facilities, EDIH brings together parties who want to develop autonomous green management in practice.
Autonomous green space management in practice
The cluster works on various application areas in green and water management. Below you are already introduced to four cluster partners and use cases.
Verge and dike management
Autonomous systems recognize plant species, detect nests and remove invasive species in a targeted way. Dangerous mowing along busy roads is taken over by machines that see what they are doing.
Autonomous mowing in solar parks
Autonomous mowers navigate between thousands of posts without GPS signal. Thermal imaging technology continuously inspects panels for damage without anyone having to be in the field.
Aquatic plant management
Drones map submerged aquatic plants species-specifically. AI models recognize species and guide implementation. The move to a fully autonomous raking boat is under development.
Vision and navigation software
Camera, lidar and GPS data are translated into geographic information that machines use to navigate and make decisions autonomously.
On the way to becoming a European leader
The ambition is to develop the Northern Netherlands into the European leader in autonomous green management. This requires cooperation between parties from the entire chain.
1. Organizations with a management task
Municipalities, water boards, provinces and site managers who are looking for a future-proof way of green and water management.
2. Companies that want to scale up
Machine builders, software developers and system integrators who want to collaborate within a working ecosystem in the Northern Netherlands.
3. Professionals and knowledge institutions
Engineers, data scientists and researchers in robotics, AI and geo-information working on autonomous systems with direct societal application.
Want to know more?
Read the background article Northern Netherlands frontrunner in autonomous green management for the full story behind the cluster, the applications already operational and the European ambition that drives it.
Or contact Hans Praat or Maarten Groeneveld directly for an exploratory discussion.