The INTA developed the MAPHI M2 module, a system inspired by the experience of producing fresh vegetables in the Argentine Antarctic bases. What began as a challenge to reduce canned food consumption in extreme conditions is now projected as a household device capable of revolutionizing vegetable production in urban homes.
The prototype is being evaluated at the INTA Santa Cruz Agricultural Experimental Station and allows for the automatic cultivation of leafy greens, aromatic herbs, and microgreens, occupying the space of a common kitchen appliance.
System Operation
The MAPHI M2 automatically controls:
- Light intensity and duration.
- Nutrition and electrical conductivity.
- Ambient temperature.
- Energy consumption, similar to that of a personal computer.
The user only needs to download the app, select the species, place the pre-sown seeds, and fill the water tanks. The system takes care of the rest, managing critical variables and providing real-time information from the cell phone or computer.
Efficient and Flexible Production
- 10 to 15-day cycles to obtain fresh vegetables.
- Possibility of consuming them at early stages for higher nutrient concentration or waiting for maximum growth to obtain more volume.
- High efficiency in space and water use.
- Option for manual management in addition to digital automation.
Design and User Experience
The module integrates as a modern piece of furniture in the kitchen, with finishes in lenga wood, aluminum, and steel. Through a glass, users can observe the growth of the plants day by day, turning production into a visual and educational experience.
One of the project’s pillars is that anyone, even without prior agricultural knowledge, can cultivate in small spaces. The idea is to simplify complex processes and bring the experience of producing fresh food within the home.
Project Stages
- Design and construction: prototype developed at INTA Santa Cruz.
- Software and app: created by Daniel Laguía and Leonardo González, enabling system automation.
- Business plan and market: led by Dr. Martín Díaz from the National University of La Matanza, focused on adjusting design, costs, and commercial projection.
Impact and Projection
The MAPHI M2 addresses the need for efficient alternatives to produce food in urban environments without space for conventional crops. Additionally, it links horticulture with digital tools and artificial intelligence, opening the door to new forms of responsible and sustainable consumption.
The transfer to interested companies will allow for its manufacturing and distribution, with the potential to transform the way families access fresh vegetables, reducing dependence on long supply chains and promoting urban self-production.
The MAPHI M2 is much more than an appliance: it is the result of a decade of applied research in Antarctica and adapted to the Argentine home.
With hydroponic technology, digital automation, and modern design, this system promises to democratize access to fresh, healthy, and sustainable food, integrating horticultural production directly into daily life.
