Autonomous Unmaned Aerial Vehicle for Smart Farming

Project Title

Autonomous Unmaned Aerial Vehicle for Smart Farming

Project Area of Specialization RoboticsProject Summary

 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has emerged in the global remote sensing community as small, flying robots that can access dangerous or remote regions, capture high-resolution imagery, and research ranging from broad applications. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a flying robot capable of flying without a board pilot. It is controlled either manually or autonomously. It is an emerging new technology for developing countries like Pakistan

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle interfaced with the pixhawk flight controller and mission planner deployed in forest areas acts as an eco-friendly system. The proposed drone helps to disperse seeds in less dense areas in forests. Deploying UAVs in roadside planting provides a more efficient planting pattern in the selected locations.

The proposed Aeroseeder UAV would be capable of the vertical take-off and landing feature like a rotary-wing aircraft and also the six propellers provide more stability and high maneuvering capability during the monitoring process. This UAV using a payload drop mechanism, can carry seed balls and release them where there’s a need, especially in places not easily accessible by humans.  Aeroseeder UAV will capable of dropping seed balls at predefined coordinates and also send camera feedback at GCS (Ground Control Station).

Project Objectives

SAVE TIME

Drone seeding is much faster than conventional sowing techniques. Traditional seeding techniques require a farmer to walk between rows of crops, which slows down the process. The drone seeding technique uses a drone that can fly from seed dispenser to seed dispenser, sowing seeds as it goes.

   REDUCE EXPENSES

Unmanned aerial vehicles help save cost by reducing the labor work, resources used, and tools required in sowing techniques, reducing the overall capital investment. Thus, the use of drones in sowing is considered more efficient and profitable than conventional sowing techniques.

REDUCE WASTAGE

Unmanned aerial vehicles help growers to seed with accuracy. Precise real-time monitoring allows growers to allocate seeds in desired areas. A smart dispersal system minimizes seed wastage allowing farmers to better manage their resources.

ACCESS TO REMOTE SOWING

Aerial seeding allows crops to grow in terrains that are challenging to reach. Drones are used to access and sow these remote locations without physical human interventions.

Project Implementation Method

1.UAV Mission 

We will conduct two flights. The first flight will map and assess the feasibility of the dropping area. Continuing the first flight, the sequential flight will test the canister by dropping the seed. 

2.Propagation:

We will Calibrate UAV through software (Pixhawk) to follow the required path autonomously.

3. Mapping dropping area

The drone will be flown and will capture the aerial photo of the dropping area. The aerial photo will analyze digitally to differentiate the existing vegetation and obstruction. This imagery data then will be used to determine the exact dropping location. 

4. Dropping activity 

The canister will be install and a drone is ready to fly. The drone would be flown to the selected dropping area determined by using a map developed before. During the flight, we'll measure the performance of the drone. Those drone performance indicators consist of how far the drone will travel, the time required, and the number of seeds that can be delivered. Benefits of the Project

• It is simple and easier to disperse seed balls without labour or frammers.
• Easier for reforestation and plantation in difficult terrains
• Pak Aeroseeder, an aerial seeding solution for rapid and scalable reforestation, will bring community, science and technology together for an inclusive, sustainable and long-lasting solution, the release said. This project uses drones to disperse seed balls over thin, barren and empty forest lands to turn them into lush green abode of trees.
• It is an organic technique and doesn’t use any chemicals.
• It is a better technique compared to traditional afforestation/reforestation techniques.

• "The traditional methods of going around and planting a seedling every square metre is great but it's slow, so any method that we can do by air that improves the speed, improves the efficiency and labour."

• "Forests are essential to maintain a clean and habitable environment for human life, and emerging technologies have potential to support the afforestation efforts.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle interfaced with the pixhawk flight controller and mission planner deployed in forest areas acts as an eco-friendly system. The proposed drone helps to disperse seeds in less dense areas in forests. Deploying UAVs in roadside planting provides a more efficient planting pattern in the selected locations.We also nammed as Pak Aero Seeder.Aeroseeder UAV will capable of dropping seed balls at predefined coordinates and also send camera feedback at GCS (Ground Control Station).

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry AgricultureOther Industries Food , Others Core Technology RoboticsOther Technologies Artificial Intelligence(AI), Clean TechSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for People, Climate ActionRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	58100
Pixhawk 2.4.8 Flight Controller Kit	Equipment	1	20000	20000
F550 Hexacopter Frame Kit	Equipment	1	4850	4850
DXW B2212 980KV Brushless Outrunner Motor CW	Equipment	3	1800	5400
DXW B2212 980KV Brushless Outrunner Motor CCW	Equipment	3	1800	5400
HTIRC HORNET 30A ESC	Equipment	6	2200	13200
Turnigy 3000mah 14.8V (4S) 40C Lipo Battery	Equipment	1	7250	7250
3D printed Seed box	Miscellaneous	1	2000	2000