OnePointOne advances robotic farming technology in its Phoenix fully automated indoor agriculture system

A Phoenix-based indoor farming operation is using robotic technology to grow and harvest leafy greens in a fully automated, enclosed environment. The facility, operated by agtech startup OnePointOne, relies on repurposed warehouse robotics to monitor, tend and harvest crops inside a 1,000-square-meter cube-shaped vertical farm.

“One of the major challenges we’re addressing is the locality of produce,” said Sam Bertram, CEO of OnePointOne. “Produce is typically shipped long distances. This system allows us to grow food near distribution points, reducing transport time.”

Inside the facility, crops such as arugula microgreens, baby mizuna, kale, beet greens and cilantro are cultivated without natural sunlight. Instead, specialized LED lights stimulate photosynthesis, while the indoor climate is regulated to create optimal growing conditions. Automated systems track the plants’ development and provide water, nutrients and harvesting when needed.

The farm’s automation was developed in collaboration with AutoStore System, a robotics company traditionally focused on warehouse logistics. “We’ve always believed our system could be adapted to different sectors,” said Benjamin Warden, AutoStore’s director of product management. “Its flexibility is now being demonstrated in agriculture.”

According to Bertram, the compact vertical farm can match the output of a conventional 2-acre field while occupying a fraction of the land. The produce is currently distributed through Whole Foods Market locations across Phoenix.

The company aims to scale the model by installing similar farms near grocery retailers to reduce food miles and deliver fresher, more nutritious produce. However, Bertram noted that the method is currently not viable for larger crops such as corn, soybeans and avocados.

“Our goal is to get tastier, fresher, more nutritious products on people’s plates at competitive prices,” he said. “That can have a significant impact on public health.”