Automation in urban farming starts from the most fundamental process: watering. In this pilot project, an automated seed watering system was designed to deliver controlled and consistent water distribution during the early germination phase. By using timed activation and simple mechanical components, the system reduces dependency on manual watering while maintaining stable moisture levels required for healthy seed development.
The pilot project focuses on validation rather than scale. Several parameters were observed, including watering frequency, coverage uniformity, and system reliability in a small indoor setup. This approach allows early identification of practical issues such as overwatering, uneven distribution, and equipment durability. Running the system in a controlled environment provides clear data on how automation can improve repeatability and reduce human error during the most sensitive growth stage.
While simple in design, this pilot represents an important step toward scalable and efficient food production systems. The lessons learned from this experiment will inform future improvements, including sensor integration, remote monitoring, and modular expansion. By starting small and focusing on fundamentals, automation can gradually transform urban farming into a more predictable, sustainable, and technology-driven process.