Precision agriculture, driven by the convergence of smart sensors and advanced technologies, has emerged as a transformative force in modern farming practices. The present review synthesizes insights from a multitude of research papers, exploring the dynamic landscape of precision agriculture. The main focus is on the integration of smart sensors, coupled with technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This analysis is set in the context of optimizing crop management, using resources wisely, and promoting sustainability in the agricultural sector. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of emerging trends and key developments in the field of precision agriculture. By highlighting the benefits of integrating smart sensors and innovative technologies, it aspires to enlighten farming practitioners, researchers, and policymakers on best practices, current challenges, and prospects. It aims to foster a transition towards more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent farming practices while encouraging the continued adoption and adaptation of new technologies.

In recent decades, climate change and a shortage of resources have brought about the need for technology in agriculture. Farmers have been forced to use information and innovation in communication in order to enhance production efficiency and crop resilience. Systems engineering and information infrastructure based on the Internet of Things (IoT) are the main novel approaches that have generated growing interest. In agriculture, IoT solutions according to the challenges for Industry 4.0 can be applied to greenhouses. Greenhouses are protected environments in which best plant growth can be achieved. IoT for smart greenhouses relates to sensors, devices, and information and communication infrastructure for real-time monitoring and data collection and processing, in order to efficiently control indoor parameters such as exposure to light, ventilation, humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide level. This paper presents the current state of the art in the IoT-based applications to smart greenhouses, underlining benefits and opportunities of this technology in the agriculture environment.

The global agricultural sector faces increasing challenges in adopting sustainable practices and reducing its environmental footprint. Smart greenhouse agriculture has emerged as a key solution, enabling efficient year-round crop production while minimizing dependence on traditional field farming. However, achieving near-zero energy consumption in greenhouses remains a major challenge due to the high operational energy demands. This review examines the current state of energy consumption in greenhouses, critically analyzes existing technological solutions, and identifies key challenges, such as high energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting. The study highlights opportunities for integrating renewable energy sources, optimizing energy-saving systems, and using advanced control technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor microclimatic conditions. Results show that integrating these solutions can significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining optimal growing environments. The main findings include prioritizing the adoption of hybrid renewable energy systems, improving greenhouse design and material selection, and enhancing real-time monitoring systems with smart technologies. Future research should focus on cost-effective innovations, interdisciplinary approaches, and the scalability of energy-efficient designs. This review provides actionable information for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the transition to sustainable, near-zero energy greenhouse systems.

Today’s increasingly complex energy systems require innovative approaches to integrate and optimize different energy sources and technologies. In this paper, we explore the system of systems (SoS) approach, which provides a comprehensive framework for improving energy systems’ interoperability, efficiency, and resilience. By examining recent advances in various sectors, including photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, energy storage, renewable energy, smart cities, and rural communities, this study highlights the essential role of SoSs in addressing the challenges of the energy transition. The principal areas of interest include the integration of advanced control algorithms and machine learning techniques and the development of robust communication networks to manage interactions between interconnected subsystems. This study also identifies significant challenges associated with large-scale SoS implementation, such as real-time data processing, decision-making complexity, and the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks. This study outlines future directions for improving the intelligence and autonomy of energy subsystems, which are essential for achieving a sustainable, resilient, and adaptive energy infrastructure.