Newsletter March 2024

Head of the Department of Urban Ecophysiology of Plants at Humboldt-Universität, Berlin and Project Coordinator Cubes Circle.

Q.: In 2024, CUBES Circle started operating as a real laboratory on a Humboldt University site in Berlin-Dahlem. What experiences have you gained so far?

A.: Complex systems need time to produce reliable data. The prototype of our networked system has only just been put into operation and we are currently still testing the technologies of the various production systems. Once these have been run in, the cycle will be fully closed. Our experience is therefore currently based primarily on the three production CUBES. One key realisation here is certainly that the clean definition of interfaces between our production CUBES, as well as depending on the location in the region, is an important challenge. Such interfaces not only determine the sustainability of the system, but also its acceptance and cost-effectiveness.

Q.: Cubes Circle aims to enable regional supply in urban areas. What products will you be able to offer?

A.: Our system will focus on vegetable crops in the first few years, beginning with tomatoes and later adding other crops. In the past few months, we have tested strawberries, peppers, celery, various herbs and cabbage varieties. In insect production, we are working with a model organism that is not yet authorised for human consumption and only serves as a source of protein for the fish. Other varieties are also being considered here in the medium term. In fish production, we produce the African predatory catfish. And I'm already looking forward to excellent fillets.

Q.: Digital programmes are required for this high-tech system. Which professional training is required for these urban farmers?

A.: Training for such complex, networked systems does not exist yet. Therefore, we currently have experts from the various production areas working together. However, we are developing modern digital tools that will enable later control. There will no longer be a traditional manual for such systems. We are integrating our experience with such systems into our teaching at the five participating universities.

Q.: How are your customers reacting to the new offer?

A.: We are encountering very mixed interest in the industry. For some partners, we are still too far away in the future with the system. This is certainly also due to the fact that we are only now moving into the prototype and are not yet able to demonstrate that the systems work, that we also fulfil the sustainability promises and are still economical. I am hoping for more positive feedback over the next four years. However, we also have a partner who wants to make concrete preparations for implementation on the site of a former logistics centre in the coming years. The fact that we prioritised critical system components, such as the energy supply, right from the start of the project is paying off here. Individual technologies or even individual production systems are more easily accepted in industry and there are also numerous collaborations in this area.