Automated Mechanical Weeding Agricultural Robot

The aim of the project is to design, fabricate and program a weeding mechanism for large and small scale vegetable crops. The mechanism is to be mounted on an already exisiting or newly built automonous robotic vehicle.  The vehicle is to be made capable of self-tracking through bot

Project Title

Automated Mechanical Weeding Agricultural Robot

Project Area of Specialization

Robotics

Project Summary

The aim of the project is to design, fabricate and program a weeding mechanism for large and small scale vegetable crops. The mechanism is to be mounted on an already exisiting or newly built automonous robotic vehicle. 

The vehicle is to be made capable of self-tracking through both uncultivated and cultivated lands through a GPS and sensors. Through computer vision and deep learning models, the robot will identify rows of crops and unwanted weed. Upon detection,  it will adjust the tools attached to start the weed removal process.

The working prototype will mainly cover major agricultural crops of Pakistan such as wheat and cotton. However, the scope of the project can be expanded to a variety of crops through further modelling and testing. 

Since weeding in Pakistan is either performed manually or by chemical sprays, the weeding robot serves to automate the labor intensive process. Through this, we hope to achieve effective and faster weed removal leading to better crop yield in an environmental friendly manner.

The robot will also be equipped with safety and quality control mechanisms to avoid harm to workers or crop. 

In a nutshell, we hope to offer a functional solution to weed management and control by automating detection and removal process. 

Project Objectives

The objectives set forth for the project "Automated Mechanical Weeding Agricultural robot" are as follows,

• Design and Fabricate a suspension system capable to traversing different terrains of different crops. 
• Make the vehicle capable of self tracking and navigation by using the concept of obstacle detection and avoidance.
• Use computer vision and machine learning, enable the robot in detecting and distinguishing between crop and weed.
• Upon detection of weed, Initiate removal mechanism by deploying tools attached with the help of a 2 degree of freedom robotic arm. 
• Design a safety and control procedure to prevent damage to crops, humans and other animals. 

Project Implementation Method

A mechanical weeding robot will be a DC powered autonomous machine. The robot will detect weed using a deep learning computer vision algorithm. A camera of adequate resolution will be installed in the robot that will feed live footage. On detection of unwanted weed, a mechanical response will be stimulated to kill the weed. A robotic arm will be used for this response and its motion will be programmed using ultrasonic sensors. These sensors will help the arm navigate its way to the weed precisely without damaging any crop. 

The robot will be capable of motion. Its wheels and subsequent body will be made robust to make it capable of motion on rugged surfaces. Movement will take place through DC powered motors. 

The main mechanical structure of the weeding robot will consist of a chassis, wheels, ball bearings, arms, blade and adjusting mechanism. The major load on the chassis will be of the battery that will be our power source. The robot frame wpuld be robust enough to sustain heavy vibrations along the uneven soil. Preferably iron grade bearing will be used for the frame.

The ultrasonic sensors and a microcontroller are the primary electronic components of the robot that will be used to operate the arm.

Benefits of the Project

The benefit we hope to achieve through the successful implementation of our project are as follows,

• Reduce human effort and labour in crop cultivation and management, thus enabling farmers to use their expertise in other relevant areas of farming.
• Bring down the use of chemical sprays used in weed control, enabling eco friendly cultivation at a lower cost.
• Accomplish weed elimination over larger acres of land in relatively shorter period of time.
  Increase crop yield and productivity helping the agriculture sector of Pakistan thrive leading to a boost in exports.
• Increase crop yield and productivity helping the agriculture sector of Pakistan thrive leading to a boost in agricultural exports.
• Play a part in the United Nation's SDG No.2 titled "Zero Hunger" introducing the culture of sustainable farming in Pakistan and making food accessible and nutritious for all.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The most important deliverable is the automation of the machine. Manual weeding of farms is highly labour intensive and time consuming. An autonomous machine capable of moving and navigating on its own will make the process easier and time efficient. The strength, stability and resilience of the body would conform with the required standards to make the machine autonomous.

The efficiency and productivity of the robot is the other important deliverable. The robot will be of value only if it ensures greater efficiency than manual methods. This is dependent on the backend programming that should ensure that the robot is capable of detecting weed with an efficiency of equal to or greater than 90%. This will significantly increase the productivity of the farms as now the nutrients in the soil will not be absorbed by unnecessary weeds. High precision sensors will be installed to ensure precise movements of the robotic arm. This is another requisite for increased efficiency.

We expect the robot to achieve a speed of upto 4km/hr. DC battery will power the motors that drive the wheels.

The robot will be capable of weeding 4 acres per day. This will be a massive improvement on the current methods.

The robot will be able to work for 5-6 hours before requiring recharge. This battery life will be sufficient to weed 1 acre of land.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Agriculture

Other Industries

Core Technology

Robotics

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Zero Hunger

Required Resources

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