Breaking Ground in Hydroponics: an IN2 Partnership with Atlas Sensor Technologies
When it comes to agricultural innovation, water sensor technology may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Atlas Sensor Technologies is making strides in hydroponics, a type of agriculture that uses high nutrient, water-based solutions to grow plants. Best known for their sensor that detects water hardness ions, Atlas is now working with the Danforth Plant Science Center via the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) partnership to evaluate the promising possibility of extending their technology with a new system called the AnSen1, a sensor with the unique ability to measure nitrogen and phosphorus levels in real time. This breakthrough technology is designed to make nutrient management in hydroponic systems more efficient, accessible and sustainable.
The goal of the project is to create a completely self-sufficient system that can not only detect nutrient levels but also respond by automatically releasing necessary nutrients when required.
“Nutrient management can be an inexact science that is based upon historical actions and infrequent adjustments,” explained Eva Deemer and David Nemir of Atlas Sensor Technologies. “The AnSen1 represents a relatively low-cost way to automate nutrient release in a hydroponics system with minimal manual intervention. This can lead to reduced manpower, improved crop yields, shorter growth cycles and reduced nutrient waste.”
The Research Journey: Three Phases of Discovery
Atlas’ collaboration with the Danforth Plant Science Center is divided into three distinct phases, each building on previous successes:
Phase 1: Laying the Groundwork
In the initial phase, the AnSen1 was deployed to monitor nutrient levels in a hydroponics bath managed by the Danforth Center Plant Growth Facility. The sensor automatically took measurements and uploaded the data to a Cloud-based dashboard, accessible from any computer or smartphone. Completed in September 2024, phase 1 provided invaluable insights into how the AnSen1 performs in real-world conditions.
Phase 2: Semi-Automation
Currently underway, Phase 2 adds a layer of functionality. While the AnSen1 continues to monitor nutrient levels, the data now informs manual adjustments to nutrient additions via the Cloud. This phase serves as a bridge between simple monitoring and full automation, refining the system for its next big leap.
Phase 3: Full Automation
Set to launch after the completion of Phase 2, Phase 3 will be the definitive test of the AnSen1’s ability to fully optimize nutrient delivery automatically. Completion of this phase is the ultimate goal of the project: to determine AnSen1’s potential to function as a completely self-sufficient system managing nutrient levels throughout an entire crop lifecycle.
"We are excited to be working with the Atlas team to facilitate proof-of-concept studies with their AnSen1 technology,” said Danforth Center Integrated Plant Growth Facility Director Kevin Reilly. “The IN2 program is extraordinary in its vision to create pathways for partnerships between early-stage companies like Atlas and our experts here at the Danforth Center. Armed with lessons learned from these studies, companies can continue to improve their technologies and their ability to deliver on our shared goal of improving food quality and availability for all and doing so in a more sustainable way."
Looking Ahead
The completion of this study could pave the way for a commercial rollout of the AnSen1 in 2025. By demonstrating its effectiveness in managing and optimizing nutrient delivery, Atlas hopes to revolutionize hydroponics and set a new standard for sustainable agriculture.
Stay tuned as Atlas Sensor Technologies continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in hydroponic farming technologies. With the AnSen1, the future of hydroponic agriculture is set for growth.