Smart Drone-Based Pollination System for Greenhouse Production

Lead Applicant: Sheng Yang

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2026/2027

Research Centre: N/A

Research Summary: Greenhouse fruit crop production depends heavily on bee or manual pollination, both of which present challenges such as high costs, worker safety concerns, and inconsistent pollination. This project will develop a smart drone-based pollination system for greenhouse production. Autonomous drones equipped with cameras, navigation systems, and precision pollen-dispersal technologies will move through greenhouse rows to stimulate flowers in a manner similar to bee pollination. Unlike bees or manual labour, drones can operate consistently throughout the flowering period, improving pollination reliability. The project aims to improve yields and fruit quality while strengthening the resilience of Ontario’s greenhouse sector.