BUZZ-TOMATO: An Off-Grid Solar-Powered Mechanical Vibration System for Biomimetic Pollination and Fruit Uniformity in Commercial Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are a horticultural crop with high economic value, but the size and quality of the harvest are not always uniform. Variations in fruit development within a single plant can lead to differences in size and quality, resulting in a lower proportion of fruits that meet specific quality standards and potentially affecting the economic value of the harvest. One factor influencing the success of fruit formation and development is the pollination process. Tomato flowers have a porous anther structure that requires vibration to facilitate pollen release; therefore, vibration mechanisms can be utilized as a biomimetic approach to assist in the pollination process. To address these issues, this proposal introduces BUZZ-TOMATO, an off-grid, mechanical vibration-based pollination assistance system that uses photovoltaic (PV) panels and LiFePO₄ batteries as energy sources. The device operates by applying controlled mechanical vibrations to tomato flowers to facilitate pollen release and support a more consistent pollination process. Vibration parameters are controlled using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), allowing the motor's operation to be adjusted according to the stimulation needs of the flowers. The PV panels serve as the primary energy source, while the LiFePO₄ batteries store energy, enabling the device to operate independently without relying on the electrical grid. Compared to manual pollination, BUZZ-TOMATO offers more consistent and controlled stimulation, operates independently of the electrical grid, and utilizes renewable energy, making it more environmentally friendly. This technology has the potential to be applied to both small-scale and commercial tomato cultivation, particularly in areas with limited access to electricity. The implementation of BUZZ-TOMATO is expected to reduce variations in fruit development, improve size uniformity, and increase the proportion of the harvest that meets quality standards, thereby providing greater economic value for farmers.