Design of a Modular Mobile Robot with Intelligent Pesticide Spraying Mechanism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37934/jartim.15.1.5364Keywords:
Mobile robot, agriculture, automation, fuzzy logic, palm oilAbstract
In recent years, the applications of mobile robots for agriculture have gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance crop management practices. This paper presents the design, development, and evaluation of a mobile robot equipped with an intelligent pesticide spraying mechanism. The main objective of this research is to discuss the recent utilization of mobile robots in agriculture and to design a mobile robot system that can spray pesticides with minimal manual control requirements. To maintain precise positioning and avoid collisions, the mobile robot is designed to drive independently within a designated region utilizing a mix of sensors such as GPS and obstacle detection. The spraying mechanism integrates a fuzzy logic-based control system that dynamically adjusts spraying parameters based on environmental factors such as crop density, wind speed, and pest infestation levels. This intelligent approach ensures optimal pesticide usage, reducing chemical wastage and minimizing environmental impact. The mobile robot features a robust spraying mechanism comprising a sprayer unit, storage tanks, and an adaptive control system for real-time decision-making. The development process required the integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components to build a reliable and efficient system. Extensive testing and validation were conducted to assess the robot's effectiveness in various agricultural contexts, considering factors such as terrain variation, crop density, and operational constraints. This study contributes to the advancement of agricultural robotics by addressing pesticide spraying challenges through automation and environmentally conscious solutions.