GB2604899A

GB2604899A - Automated cultivation module for cultivating fresh produce in harsh or hostile environments

Info

Publication number: GB2604899A
Application number: GB2103746.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wesley Montague Johathan
Original assignee: Seven Seas Productions Ltd
Current assignee: Seven Seas Productions Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2021-03-18
Publication date: 2022-09-21
Also published as: GB2604899A8; GB202103746D0

Abstract

An automated cultivation module 10 is provided for cultivating fresh produce in harsh or hostile environments. The cultivation module comprises a cultivation apparatus 30 comprising an enclosed cultivation housing 32, a plurality of plant growth containers within the enclosed cultivation housing for cultivating fresh produce 22, and an automated cultivation-environment controller 42 for controlling environmental conditions within the enclosed cultivation housing. There is also a fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 comprising a closed preservation housing 24, and an automated preservation-environment controller 44 for controlling environmental conditions within the closed preservation housing. An automated transfer apparatus 34 is provided for environmentally-securely transferring fresh produce from the cultivation apparatus to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus, as well as an insulated module containment structure 12, the cultivation apparatus, fresh-produce preservation apparatus, and automated transfer apparatus being contained within the insulated module containment structure. The preservation apparatus may further comprise a weighing mechanism for detecting removal and/or addition of fresh produce. The transfer apparatus may be located in a dedicated airlock chamber 36. The closed preservation housing may comprise a display area (16 figure 1).

Description

Automated Cultivation Module for Cultivating Fresh Produce In Harsh or Hostile Environments The present invention relates to an automated cultivation module, preferably by not necessarily exclusively for cultivating fresh produce in harsh or hostile environments.

There are many contexts in which the availability of fresh produce for human consumption is heavily restricted, or where it would be desirable to introduce controlled growth in situ in order to reduce the environmental impact of food transportation.

In particular, in war or disaster areas, access to food can be severely limited, and therefore there is a desire to provide an automated agricultural unit which could be shipped in and which can produce food without access to arable land or water and nutrient supplies. This applies equally to harsh or hostile environments, such as in scientific research bases in the Arctic or Antarctic regions or deserts, or even in outer space.

It is further feasible that many commercial or domestic opportunities are available for such an agricultural improvement, for example, in scientific research centres in remote and hostile environments, such as the Arctic, deserts, private islands, or superyachts, international shipping, oil rigs, remote mining, rapid response units for natural disasters, where food must otherwise be imported to provide rescue crews with fresh food where there is none.

The risk of contamination of fresh produce is also a consideration, where the food supply could otherwise be a disease transmission means, or where significant population disruption could occur if the food chain became polluted or deliberately poisoned.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for allowing a fully sealed and enclosed and automated fresh-produce growth and dispensing system which requires 25 no or minimal human intervention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an automated cultivation module for cultivating fresh produce in harsh or hostile environments, the cultivation module comprising: a cultivation apparatus comprising an enclosed cultivation housing, a plurality of plant growth containers within the enclosed cultivation housing for cultivating fresh produce, and an automated cultivation-environment controller for controlling environmental conditions within the enclosed cultivation housing; a fresh-produce preservation apparatus comprising a closed preservation housing, and an automated preservation-environment controller for controlling environmental conditions within the closed preservation housing; automated transfer apparatus for environmentally-securely transferring fresh produce from the cultivation apparatus to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus; and an insulated module containment structure, the cultivation apparatus, fresh-produce preservation apparatus, and automated transfer apparatus being contained within the insulated module containment structure.

The provision of a fully automated cultivation module allows for fresh produce to be produced and prepared for use in harsh and/or hostile environments, without the need for human involvement in the growing process. This allows for fresh produce to be generated in situ in, for example, disaster or war zones, or otherwise non-habitable areas, such as deserts, frozen wasteland, or even in space. The system also allows for significantly improved food security, which greatly limits the prospect for contamination of the food supply either naturally or maliciously.

In one preferable embodiment, the insulated module containment structure is formed as a 20 ft, 401t or 45ft modular insulated unit.

Modular units can be easily shipped or airlifted into hostile environments, and then just left in place but secured against any hostile activity. The automated cultivation module 20 can be left alone whilst the, for example, relief workers, concentrate on the mission at hand without needing to also find safe and clean food supplies.

Optionally, the plurality of plant growth containers of the cultivation apparatus may be arranged in a plurality of vertically spaced-apart levels.

Spatial maximisation of the plant growth containers within the cultivation apparatus 25 allows for the maximum generation of fresh produce within a confined space.

Preferably, the cultivation apparatus may further comprise a conveyor system for moving the plurality of plant growth containers within the enclosed cultivation housing.

Cyclical movement of the plant growth containers within the enclosed cultivation housing allows for plants to be moved to a lifecycle-optimised location within the enclosed 30 cultivation housing for any given plant. This allows for optimised use of resources within the apparatus.

More preferably, the conveyor system may comprise at least one horizontal conveyor and at least one vertical conveyor.

The full volume of the cultivation apparatus can be utilised for growth where both horizontal and vertical conveyors are included.

The automated cultivation-environment controller may comprise any of a lighting controller; a ventilation controller; an irrigation controller; a humidity controller; and a gas-composition controller.

In order to optimise the growth conditions within the automated cultivation module, it is preferred that a wide variety of environmental conditions be controllable centrally, in 10 accordance with a predetermined growth program.

Optionally, the cultivation apparatus may further comprise at least one robotic station within the enclosed cultivation housing.

The robotic automation of the growth process can enable the elimination of human intervention within the environmentally controlled enclosed cultivation housing.

The at least one robotic station may include any or all of a: cleaning station; growing media cleaning station; sowing station; automated harvesting station; and automated pollination unit.

There are various actions which may be necessary within a fully automated growth apparatus, and many of these can be automated via advanced robotic stations that may have artificial intelligence capabilities, are completely interactive, and are monitored by sensors on an individual plant-by-plant basis. Distant maintenance oversight and control may be undertaken using augmented reality systems which are connected to remote engineers, preferably via satellite intervention and connection.

In a preferred embodiment, the fresh-produce preservation apparatus may comprise an 25 ozone generator. Optionally, the fresh-produce preservation apparatus may comprise a humidifier, which may be an ultrasonic humidifier.

Both ozone and water will improve the lifetime of displayed fresh produce within a housing. It is preferred that both ozone and water from the humidifier are piped directly to the shelves housing the fresh produce, separately but preferably simultaneously, and 30 this combined effect leads to a greatly improve produce lifespan for the apparatus.

Optionally, the closed preservation housing may comprise a display area.

It is preferred that the closed preservation housing be able to present the fresh produce therein directly to the users, so that fresh produce can be selected appropriately.

Preferably, the automated preservation-environment controller may include a plurality of 5 environmental sensors, the automated preservation-environment controller being configured to adjust the environment within the closed preservation housing in response to detected environmental changes by the plurality of sensors.

Since the fresh-produce preservation apparatus must be accessed by a user to obtain the fresh produce for food preparation, there will be greater variations in the environmental conditions at or adjacent to any access of the apparatus. As such, there is a significant need for sensors to monitor the environmental variables so that corrective action can be taken.

The fresh-produce preservation apparatus may further comprise a weighing mechanism for detecting removal and/or addition of fresh produce in the fresh-produce preservation 15 apparatus.

To ensure that automated restocking of the apparatus occurs directly from the cultivation apparatus, it is preferred that the weight of fresh produce in the fresh-produce preservation apparatus be monitored, ideally, on a regular or continuous basis.

Preferably, the automated transfer apparatus may comprise a robotic transfer device.

Robotic transfer equipment provides for the automated transfer capabilities which are necessary for the elimination of human interaction with the fresh-produce delivery process.

Optionally, the automated transfer apparatus may be located in a dedicated airlock chamber within the insulated module containment structure between the cultivation 25 apparatus and fresh-produce preservation apparatus.

By providing an intermediate airlock chamber between the cultivation apparatus and fresh-produce preservation apparatus, the environmental conditions within the cultivation apparatus will be maintained with minimal corrective action required. This reduces the burden on the environmental control system.

As an alternative, the automated transfer apparatus may be located within the cultivation apparatus or fresh-produce preservation apparatus, the automated transfer apparatus being configured to transfer fresh produce environmentally-securely from the cultivation apparatus to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus.

To conserve space, it may be possible to insert the automated transfer apparatus in one or other of the cultivation apparatus and fresh-produce preservation apparatus, without comprising the environmental integrity of either.

The cultivation module may comprise a self-sufficient onboard power supply to supply power to the cultivation apparatus, fresh-produce preservation apparatus, and 10 automated module containment structure.

In order for the cultivation module to be entirely self-sufficient, an onboard power supply, such as a battery and generator, may be preferred, thereby creating a separation between the module and any potentially intermittent power supply at the site.

The automated cultivation module may further comprise at least one anchor device for 15 stabilising the automated cultivation module.

In hostile environments, it is preferred that there is a mechanism for anchoring the module in situ to resist, in particular, the effects of high winds or unstable terrain.

Preferably, the insulated module containment structure may comprise armoured reinforcement members Armouring of the insulated module containment structure may be necessary in particularly hostile regions, such as war zones, or disaster areas and the module may at all times be provided with a trackable and/or traceable device with a significant broadcast range, in addition or as an alternative to GPS homing devices to allow for pinpointing of the location in all weather.

Optionally, the insulated module containment structure may further comprise at least one solar energy panel. This panel could be provided as a full-length solar panel which extends along the length of the containment structure so as to provide sufficient power to operate independently the module, as well as a serviced redundant battery system for extended operation in addition to its main, preferably diesel, electric power system. The solar panel, preferably in the form of a foil, may be remotely stowable to be protected from storms. The provision of a solar panel of course does not preclude the use of conventional powering via the mains power grid.

Solar energy may be in abundance at the relevant location, and absorption of solar energy can assist with the self-sufficient capabilities of the apparatus, providing 5 additional redundancy options.

The insulated module containment structure may comprise an internal foyer for allowing access to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus.

In hostile environments, the access to the fresh-produce preservation area is preferably not external to the insulated module containment structure. As such, an internal area 10 which is accessible by the user is preferred through a double-secure hatch which can be controlled and secured.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of automatically providing fresh produce for a user, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an automated cultivation module preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; b] providing feedback information from the fresh-produce preservation apparatus as to when more fresh produce is required, based on removal of fresh produce by a user; c] harvesting fresh produce in the cultivation apparatus to order; and d] automatically transferring the fresh produce from the cultivation apparatus to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus via the automated transfer apparatus.

Automatic restocking of the fresh-produce preservation apparatus eliminates one of the major obstacles to automatic food production in harsh or hostile environments, that is, the transfer of the fresh produce from production site to the point of extraction by the user. The present method obviates this issue.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with 25 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective representation of an automated cultivation module in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional representation of the automated cultivation module of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a further vertical cross-sectional representation of the automated cultivation module of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a yet further vertical cross-sectional representation of the automated cultivation module of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an automated cultivation module, indicated globally at 10, and which is suitable for automatic propagation of fresh-produce and distribution to an end user.

The automated cultivation module 10 is stored inside an insulated module containment structure 12, which here takes the form of a 20 ft, 40 ft or 45ft modular insulated unit, preferably having at least one, and as shown here, two, openable doors 14 at one end thereof. The doors 14 provide access to a display area 16 of a fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18.

The fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 includes a plurality of shelves 20 upon which fresh produce 22 can be displayed, inside a closed housing 24, which is accessible via the housing access 26 thereon. The housing access 26 is formed as a door, which may preferably have a hydrophobic coating for maintaining the correct humidity levels therein. One or more user interfaces 28 may be provided, here shown on the insulated module doors 14, which provides the end user with a means of selectably accessing the fresh produce therein.

The doors 14 may not open directly onto the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 14, but may instead lead to a foyer inside the insulated module containment structure 12. This may allow walkways to be constructed to automated cultivation module 10 in situ, which may be necessary for the protection of users from the harsh or hostile conditions.

Figure 2 shows an indicative cross section through the automated cultivation module 10 25 which shows the full automated system.

The fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 is provided at one end of the insulated module containment structure 12, whilst a cultivation apparatus 30 is provided which has an enclosed cultivation housing 32 inside the insulated module containment structure 12 within which the fresh produce can be grown.

Between the cultivation apparatus 30 and fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 is provided an automated transfer apparatus 34, which allows for environmentally secure transfer of fresh-produce from the cultivation apparatus 30 to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18. Whilst the automated transfer apparatus 34 is illustrated as being positioned in a dedicated airlock chamber 36 within the insulated module containment structure 12, it will be apparent that the automated transfer apparatus 34 could be incorporated into one or other of the cultivation apparatus 30 and fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18, allowing the transfer through the cultivation apparatus 30 and fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 in an environmentally secure manner.

The cultivation apparatus 30 includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart growing levels 38 within the enclosed cultivation housing 32. Whilst the vertically spaced-apart growing levels 38 are illustrated as being substantially horizontal, it is noted that for the purposes of nutrient distribution through an irrigation system, they the growing levels 38 may be tilted, for example, by around 2° from the horizontal plane.

The volume of the enclosed cultivation housing 32 is used as much as is feasible, and thus environmental conditions may differ at different points within the enclosed cultivation housing 32. For example, different growing levels 38 may provide different environmental characteristics, such as light intensity, temperature, humidity, or nutrient composition, which differ depending on the point in the plant lifecycle that is expected for plants of a certain age.

In order to ensure that the correct plants are in the correct position, based on their lifecycle, a conveyor system is preferably provided which can move individual plants 40 in at least one of a horizontal and a vertical direction. Preferably, the conveyor system is adapted such that the plants 40 are cycled through the enclosed cultivation housing 32 in a serpentine manner, that is, back and forth horizontally through the vertically spaced-apart growing levels 38. This can be achieved using a combination of a horizontal conveyor within the growing levels 38, and then a lift mechanism at the end of each row.

Environmental control within the enclosed cultivation housing 32 is crucial for correct growth, controlled via a cultivation-environment controller 42. Each growing level 38 may include its own dedicated lighting array, which can be controlled via the cultivation-environment controller 42, as well as ventilation through the enclosed cultivation housing 32. General climate control is useful, for example, by control of the humidity and/or gas composition of the air within the enclosed cultivation housing 32. This can be achieved by the use of augmented reality systems. having integrated sensors to track growth and evaluate each individual plant in the system. Artificial intelligence programs are provided to gauge, measure, and provide detailed care and sustenance constantly. Plants are monitored and fed individually, and natural enhancements can be incorporated into the nutrient supply.

The cultivation-environment controller 42 may also have control over the feeding of the plants therein, preferably via an irrigation system which allows for water to be provided to any growth containers within the enclosed cultivation housing 32. The environmental controller 42 may also be connected to any nutrient dosing system for providing nutrient feed to the plants 40 via the irrigation system.

The cultivation-environment controller 42 may be formed from a plurality of individual controllers, and therefore is not necessarily intended to refer to a unitary device.

The cultivation-environment controller 42 provides a means of controlling the environmental characteristics of the enclosed cultivation housing 32 without the need for human intervention. However, it will be appreciated that, with the provision of wireless control technology, for instance, by the incorporation of a wireless communications element onboard, remote control programming can be provided externally to the automated cultivation module 10.

This may allow for different growth programmes to be included, which may vary based on the type of plants 40 to be grown, as it will be appreciated that many different types of fresh produce can be grown simultaneously within the automated cultivation module 10, and different environmental characteristics may be required at different stages in the growth cycles.

There will be automated procedures which occur within the cultivation apparatus 30, and 25 dedicated robotic moving stations may be provided within the enclosed cultivation housing 32 which allow for the relevant procedures to be achieved, away from the growth containers.

To this end, there may be a plurality of different robotic stations within the cultivation apparatus 30. For example, there may be a cleaning station, which is specifically 30 designed for cleaning the plants 40, whilst there may be a separate growing media cleaner, which may be for the purpose of cleaning the growth containers from, for instance, mould or bacterial growth. A dedicated sowing station may be provided, for introducing new plant matter into the cyclical system, as well as an automated robotic harvester, which could for example, comprise a conveyor towards cutting blades for separating the plant 40 from its growth container. A pollination unit could also be considered for berries and fruit.

The fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 may be constructed in a similar manner, but is designed for the preservation of the harvested plants 40 as fresh produce 22. The closed housing 24 houses the fresh produce 22 in a controlled environment, and this may be controlled by a preservation-environment controller 44. The environmental conditions in the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 are different to those required in the cultivation apparatus 30, though it will be appreciated that, from a computational perspective, the cultivation-environment controller 42 and preservation-environment controller 44 may be the same device.

The shelves 20 in the display area 16 are where the fresh produce 22 is stored, and it is 15 preferred that environmental control be performed directly at the shelves 20 themselves, for example, via a branching pipe network through the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18.

An ozone generator is desirable, as ozone concentration is important in the maintenance of the freshness of the fresh produce 22. Similarly, a humidifier is provided, preferably an ultrasonic humidifier, to maintain the humidity of the closed housing 24. The water supplied to the humidifier may be filtered, specifically to avoid clogging the pipe distribution system.

Ultraviolet lamps may also be provided in the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18, in order to inhibit many forms of microbial growth.

At least one, and preferably a plurality of different sensors may be provided in the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18, which may be in communication with the preservation-environment controller. For instance, an infra-red sensor may be provided for the monitoring of ethylene, which can lead to over-ripening of produce. Ozone distribution may inhibit this ethylene ripening.

Temperature and humidity sensors can also be provided, which may allow the preservation-environment controller 44 to control these factors for best fresh-produce preservation accordingly.

The shelves 20 in the display area 16 may include weighing mechanisms for detecting when produce has been removed, and this information may be relayed to a controller of the automated transfer apparatus 34 so that fresh produce 22 can be harvested to order. Similar information could, however, be retrieved by the provision of one or more video cameras recording a livestream of the display area, using algorithmic means to determine when fresh produce has been removed.

The point of use of the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 may typically be via one of the user interfaces 28, which may include recording or security information so that only verified users may access the fresh produce, further improving food security. This information may be logged by a central data management system, and, if appropriate, send to a relevant central server via wireless means.

The automated transfer apparatus 34 is here shown as a robotic arm 46, having a gripping claw 48 or similar grasping means, and which is capable of making the transfer between the cultivation apparatus 30 and the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18.

One method of securely performing this transfer is shown in Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 3, a small access opening 50 is made into the cultivation apparatus 30. This may be triggered on receipt of a communication from the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 that some fresh produce 22 has been depleted. The automated transfer apparatus 34 can then retrieve a harvested plant 40 from the cultivation apparatus 30.

On retrieval of the fresh produce 22 from the cultivation apparatus 30, the automated transfer apparatus 34 extracts from the cultivation apparatus 30, resealing the access 25 opening 50 in the process.

A corresponding opening 52 is then made in the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18, and the automated transfer apparatus 34 proceed to insert the harvested fresh produce 22 onto an appropriate shelf 20.

This process can be operated completely autonomous, and without compromising the 30 respective environments in the cultivation apparatus 30 and fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18. Automatic restocking of the fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 is therefore achieved.

The insulated module containment structure 12 is preferably provided with an onboard power supply which allows for the cultivation apparatus 30, fresh-produce preservation apparatus 18 and automated transfer apparatus 34 to be operated without any need for external power to be provided. Typically, this might include an onboard battery and/or generator. In some scenarios, onboard solar panels may be provided, which allow for renewable energy generation.

Anchoring may also be necessary in harsh or hostile conditions, and appropriate anchor elements could be provided as part of the insulated module containment structure 12. This might be most readily envisioned as ground piles which can bury into soil or ice, hydraulically activating from the insulated module containment structure 12. This may be of particular use in swampy or flooded disaster relief missions.

It will be apparent that the insulated module containment structure could be provided without the dedicated fresh-produce preservation apparatus, with the automated cultivation module merely providing the fresh produce on demand directly from the cultivation apparatus. This may be more applicable in disaster relief contexts, where food may be necessarily consumed very quickly.

Similarly, whilst the insulated module containment structure has been described in terms 20 of a container unit, it will be apparent that it could just as readily be provided as an internal structure of a building or vehicle, for example, forming part of a cold store onboard a superyacht or similar structure.

It is therefore possible to provide a completely automated cultivation apparatus and method of restocking which almost entirely eliminates the need for human interaction in the agricultural process. Robotics allow for the fresh produce to be transferred between closed environments safely and in a manner which is not disruptive to the respective environments for cultivation and preservation.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated 30 features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1. An automated cultivation module for cultivating fresh produce in harsh or hostile environments, the cultivation module comprising: a cultivation apparatus comprising an enclosed cultivation housing, a plurality of plant growth containers within the enclosed cultivation housing for cultivating fresh produce, and an automated cultivation-environment controller for controlling environmental conditions within the enclosed cultivation housing; a fresh-produce preservation apparatus comprising a closed preservation housing, and an automated preservation-environment controller for controlling environmental conditions within the closed preservation housing; automated transfer apparatus for environmentally-securely transferring fresh produce from the cultivation apparatus to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus; and an insulated module containment structure, the cultivation apparatus, fresh-produce preservation apparatus, and automated transfer apparatus being contained within the insulated module containment structure.
2. An automated cultivation module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulated module containment structure is formed as a 20 ft, 40ft or 45ft modular insulated unit.
3. An automated cultivation module as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of plant growth containers of the cultivation apparatus is arranged in a plurality of vertically spaced-apart levels.
4. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cultivation apparatus further comprises a conveyor system for moving the plurality of plant growth containers within the enclosed cultivation housing.
5. An automated cultivation module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the conveyor 30 system comprises at least one horizontal conveyor and at least one vertical conveyor.
6. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the automated cultivation-environment controller comprises any of: a lighting controller; a ventilation controller; an irrigation controller; a humidity controller; and a gas-35 composition controller.
7. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cultivation apparatus further comprises at least one robotic station within the enclosed cultivation housing.
8. An automated cultivation module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one robotic station is any one of a: cleaning station; growing media cleaning station; sowing station; automated harvesting station; and automated pollination unit.
9. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fresh-produce preservation apparatus comprises an ozone generator.
10. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fresh-produce preservation apparatus comprises a humidifier.
11. An automated cultivation module as claimed in claim 10, wherein the humidifier is an ultrasonic humidifier.
12. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closed preservation housing comprises a display area. 20
13. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the automated preservation-environment controller includes a plurality of environmental sensors, the automated preservation-environment controller being configured to adjust the environment within the closed preservation housing in response to detected environmental changes by the plurality of sensors.
14. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fresh-produce preservation apparatus further comprises a weighing mechanism for detecting removal and/or addition of fresh produce in the fresh-produce 30 preservation apparatus.
15. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the automated transfer apparatus comprises a robotic transfer device.
16. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the automated transfer apparatus is located in a dedicated airlock chamber within the insulated module containment structure between the cultivation apparatus and fresh-produce preservation apparatus.
17. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the automated transfer apparatus is located within the cultivation apparatus or fresh-produce preservation apparatus, the automated transfer apparatus being configured to transfer fresh produce environmentally-securely from the cultivation apparatus to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus.
18. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cultivation module comprises a self-sufficient onboard power supply to supply power to the cultivation apparatus, fresh-produce preservation apparatus, and automated module containment structure.
19. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one anchor device for stabilising the automated cultivation module
20. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, 20 wherein the insulated module containment structure comprises armoured reinforcement members.
21. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulated module containment structure further comprises at least one solar 25 energy panel.
22. An automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulated module containment structure comprises an internal foyer for allowing access to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus.
23. A method of automatically providing fresh produce for a user, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an automated cultivation module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b] providing feedback information from the fresh-produce preservation apparatus as to when more fresh produce is required, based on removal of fresh produce by a user; c] harvesting fresh produce in the cultivation apparatus to order; and d] automatically transferring the fresh produce from the cultivation apparatus to the fresh-produce preservation apparatus via the automated transfer apparatus