In a warehouse just outside Phoenix, the same type of robots that usually move packages are now helping grow fresh lettuce and herbs. It’s not a distribution center—it’s a vertical farm.
What’s Related
AutoStore and ag-tech firm OnePointOne have teamed up to launch Opollo Farm, a fully automated indoor farming system that uses the same cube-based storage grid seen in e-commerce fulfillment. But instead of storing goods, these bins hold leafy greens, which are now being sold at select Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona.
The robots move plants through the system, adjusting their position to give each one just the right amount of water, light, and nutrients. Thanks to this setup, crops can be ready for harvest in just 15 days—about half the time of traditional farming.
“At Whole Foods Market, we’re constantly exploring new ways to bring fresh, sustainable food to our customers,” said Chris Petroulakis, Category Merchant for Produce at Whole Foods Market. “Opollo Farm is a perfect example of how advanced technology can revolutionize local agriculture, helping to deliver high-quality, locally grown produce right to our stores faster and fresher than ever before.”
The farm’s key advantage is its flexibility. Because it’s built using modular cube storage, it can fit into existing warehouses or urban spaces, cutting the long journey from farm to store. Thanks to a closed-loop hydroponic system, it also uses up to 95% less water and doesn’t require pesticides.
“Traditional farming consumes vast amounts of water and land resources that are becoming scarce,” said Sam Bertram, CEO of OnePointOne. “With AutoStore’s modular robotics and our plant-production technology, we can grow food almost anywhere using a fraction of those resources.”
Plants at Opollo Farm are seeded automatically, germinated inside the grid, and moved as they grow to optimize environmental conditions. When ready, they’re brought to a central Port—the entry and exit point for the system, making the entire process hands-free and highly efficient.
“Opollo Farm shows what’s possible when proven automation meets global challenges like food supply resilience and sustainability,” said Parth Joshi, Chief Product Officer at AutoStore.
