Vertical farming features on Shaping Smarter Cities video

He learns about how these technological innovations are helping to feed a growing population plagued by extreme space restrictions and resource limitations. The Shaping Smarter Cities series is supported by Mouser’s suppliers Analog Devices, Intel, Microchip Technology and Molex.

“In the hands of true innovators, technology has the power to give us exciting new products, but it can also protect our environment and change the way we fulfill our most basic human needs, like food,” said Glenn Smith, President and CEO of Mouser Electronics. “Our Shaping Smarter Cities series focuses on technology’s potential for solving life-changing problems on a global scale.”

“The potential of this technology is mind blowing — providing food for millions while using a fraction of the resources needed for traditional farming,” said Imahara. “Not only will innovative technology create a more connected human race; it will normalise access to our most basic needs.”

Tokyo has nearly 13.7 million people packed into 845 square miles, making it the most populous metropolitan area in the world. The sheer number of people in one city creates logistical and infrastructure problems, notably sustainably feeding the entire population.

To investigate new solutions to these problems, Imahara visits Mirai’s facilities, learning how indoor vertical farming uses 40% less power than traditional farming and leads to 80% less food waste and 99% less water consumption than outdoor fields.

He speaks with Nagateru Nozawa, COO of Mirai, to gain insight into the additional benefits their technology can provide, such as shorter transportation distances from farm to market and the minimized use of pesticides.

Because the vertical farm is located inside a metropolitan area, fuel and delivery expenses are significantly reduced, further helping the environment while also lowering food costs.