2019
With DHR Engineering’s help, Swiss-based company Growcer scaled their operations, tripled productivity, and saved over 286,000 CHF annually through full automation.
Automation
Robotics
Overview
A custom-built autonomous forklift became the key to unlocking a scalable, cost-efficient farming model for Growcer’s Basel facility.
Growcer AG, a Swiss agtech startup, set out to build the most advanced vertical farm in Europe. Their vision combined climate-independent farming with smart automation to reduce water use, eliminate pesticides, and bring food production closer to consumers. But to scale beyond a working MVP, they needed a fully automated logistics system—one that eliminated human labor for repetitive and hygiene-sensitive tasks while staying within strict budget and space constraints. That’s where DHR Engineering came in.
Problem
Manual Labor and Inflexible Infrastructure Were Blocking Growth
Growcer initially explored rail-based lifting systems for automation, but faced several barriers: high installation costs, slow adaptability to layout changes, and strict Swiss regulations around structural modifications. At the same time, hiring skilled vertical farm workers proved nearly impossible. The only available candidate demanded 45 CHF/hour, and the job itself—lifting 15 kg trays while meeting hygiene protocols—was difficult to retain staff for. Core design questions remained unanswered too, such as shelving formats, watering systems, and workflow optimization at scale.
Solution
A Fully Custom Autonomous Forklift and Infrastructure Strategy
DHR Engineering proposed replacing the rail system with a compact autonomous forklift capable of navigating the tight vertical farm layout and performing all transport tasks. Since no such robot existed commercially, the team developed a solution from the ground up. Key requirements included:
Small footprint (1.2 x 1.2 x 1.8 m)
High precision (+/- 5 mm)
Load capacity up to 30 kg
Lift height up to 6 meters
DHR applied lean robotic development strategies, including early-stage prototyping of mechanical and software subsystems. Using 3D printing and Robot Operating System (ROS), the team accelerated iteration cycles and avoided delays. In parallel, they helped select the optimal shelving and watering systems to support automation.
Results
Significant ROI and Industry Recognition for a Groundbreaking Farm
The autonomous forklift replaced the work of three full-time employees, saving Growcer over 286,000 CHF annually. The system enabled continuous operation, strict hygiene compliance, and flexible scaling based on customer demand. The project attracted a 600,000 CHF investment, secured a major retail partnership with Migros Basel, and resulted in Switzerland’s first fully automated vertical farm. With zero turnover risk and consistent output, Growcer’s model is now set up to expand to additional sites across Europe.
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