1.
Team Presentation:
Welcome to our project to revolutionise agriculture with robotics! As
students, we are interested and deeply passionate about using technology to
address real-world challenges. Our team, driven by this passion, is excited to
introduce you to our project, which is focused on developing a robotic
solution for agricultural work.
1.1 Meet Our Team: Agribot Innovators and Farmer Guardians
Prateek Aggarwal- Team Leader and Mechanical tasks
Riyansh Gupta- Electronics and Hardware tasks
Shriya Sikka– Code Designer and Programming tasks
We are from Meerut, a city in Western Uttar Pradesh, also known as the
"Sports City of India" due to its significant contribution to the production of
sports equipment such as cricket bats, balls, and other gear.
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2. PROJECT SUMMARY & IDEAS
2.1 Introduction:
Agribot aims to revolutionise agriculture by deploying a versatile robotic
rover that automates critical farming tasks, enhancing efficiency, precision,
and sustainability.
2.2 Technological Integration:
Agri-Bot performs various functions with high accuracy.
Irrigation Management: It precisely controls water distribution, optimising
usage.
Seed Sowing and Fertilizer Application: This process ensures precise
seed placement for uniform crop growth and accurate application of organic
fertilisers to enhance soil health.
Pest Detection and Control: Advanced sensors detect pests at an early
stage, and organic pesticides are applied only when necessary.
2.3 Benefits and Impact:
AgriBot addresses crucial agricultural challenges. It offers Flexibility by
adapting to various terrains and crop types, Efficiency by reducing manual
labour and operational costs, and Precision by ensuring optimal resource use
for healthier crops and higher yields.
2.4 Real-Life Application: Suitable for vineyards, orchards, and crop fields,
AgriBot's advanced technology and adaptable design make it an invaluable
asset for modern farmers.
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3. ROBOTIC SOLUTION
3.1 How do we get to this idea?
First, we identified the challenges faced by farmers, including pesticide
application, irrigation, seeding, and soil health. We then explored existing
agricultural robots and technologies, investigating their functionalities,
limitations, and impact on farming practices. After consulting with our school
teachers, we focused on precision agriculture techniques and started
working on the Robot's operations. We aim to develop a robot to make
farming more precise, efficient, and flexible.
3.2 Other related ideas and challenges that became apparent to us
as we worked on it:
Drones for Aerial Surveillance:
Agricultural drones are engineered to capture high-resolution images of
fields, aiding farmers in monitoring crop health, detecting diseases,
assessing irrigation needs, and identifying areas needing attention. Despite
their potential for precision farming, we could not include these drones in our
project due to their high cost. The purchase, maintenance, and operation of
high-quality agricultural drones with advanced sensors and cameras come
with a significant price tag, making them expensive for farmers.
Weeding Robots:
These robots are engineered to selectively identify and remove weeds,
reducing the need for pesticides. They can be designed to use computer
vision and machine learning to differentiate between crops and unwanted
plants to reduce chemical usage, improve crop health, and provide cost
savings. However, we could not include it because developing and
maintaining intricate vision-based systems for weed detection requires
expertise. Ensuring accurate weed identification and precise removal without
causing damage to crops is technically demanding and would significantly
increase the cost of the solution.
Conclusion:
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After extensive research, we discovered that many robots are available, but
none can perform all the tasks that our robot can. Our robot combines a
Seeding Mechanism, Irrigation System, Organic Pesticide Spraying, and pH
Adjustment with Liquid Humus and liquid wood ash. These features enable it
to sow seeds across the field, provide precise and timely irrigation, combat
pests while minimising chemical usage, and maintain optimal soil pH for crop
health.
3.3 What makes our robot different?
The key differentiators of the Smart Multifunctional Agricultural Robot (SMAR)
solution are its comprehensive integration of essential agricultural tasks and
its potential impact on farming practices. Let's dive into these unique
aspects:
Multifunctionality:
Unlike standalone robots that focus on a single task (e.g., seeding or
spraying), the SMAR combines seeding, irrigation, pesticide spraying, pH
adjustment, and ash distribution within a single robotic system. This
multifunctionality streamlines farm operations by reducing the need for
multiple specialised machines and optimises resource utilisation.
Precision and Customization:
The SMAR leverages sensors and algorithms to perform tasks with precision:
Seeding: Customisable seed distribution based on crop type and soil
conditions.
Irrigation: Real-time adjustments based on soil moisture levels
Pesticide Spraying: Targeted application only where pests are detected.
pH Adjustment: Liquid humus distribution tailored to specific pH needs.
Ash Distribution: Even nutrient recycling across the field.
It is designed to be customised according to each field to meet its unique
requirements.
Environmental Sustainability:
The SMAR minimizes its environmental impact by using organic pesticides,
such as Neem leaf extract, and optimizing resource usage. The robot's
precision in pesticide application and irrigation management helps to reduce
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chemical usage and water wastage, contributing to sustainable farming
practices. Additionally, nutrient recycling through ash distribution contributes
to soil health and long-term sustainability, further enhancing the
environmental benefits of the AgriBot.
Labour Efficiency:
The SMAR automates labour-intensive tasks, making it easy for farmers to
work.
Scalability and Adaptability:
The SMAR is designed to easily work with different types of crops, field sizes,
and terrains. It can be integrated with existing farm management systems
for easy expansion.
3.4 Mechanical Construction of the Robot:
3.4.1 The things used for our Robot are as follows: -
Ultrasonic Sensor:
An ultrasonic sensor measures distance using sound waves. It emits
ultrasonic pulses and calculates the time it takes for the pulses to bounce
back from an object.
Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB):
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The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a versatile single-board computer (SBC). Key
features include:
Quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor running at 1.5 GHz.
4GB of LPDDR4 RAM.
Multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and GPIO pins are used to interface with
other components.
Servo Motors:
Servo motors are small devices that can rotate to a specific angle. Unlike DC
motors, servos allow precise control over position.
Common applications include robotics, automation, and hobby projects. The
SG90 servo motor is a popular choice for beginners.
L298N Motor Driver:
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The L298N is an integrated circuit (IC) that controls DC motors. It provides
the necessary power and current for smooth motor operation.
Mecanum Wheels:
Mecanum wheels have rollers set at an angle, allowing omnidirectional
movement without turning.
DC Motors:
DC (direct current) motors convert electrical energy into mechanical motion.
Widely used in robotics. Control them using motor drivers like the L298N
module
IR Obstacle Sensor:
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An IR obstacle sensor detects objects using infrared light. They are
commonly used for proximity sensing and obstacle avoidance.
DHT11 Sensor:
The DHT11 is a primary digital temperature and humidity sensor.
Acoustic Sensor:
Acoustic sensors detect sound waves or vibrations. Applications include noise
monitoring and security systems.
Water Motor:
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A water motor typically refers to a pump or motor used for water-related
tasks, such as pumping water from circulating water in a system.
Ultrasonic Bird Repellent:
An ultrasonic bird repellent is a device designed to deter birds from specific
areas using high-frequency sound waves that are beyond the range of
human hearing but are irritating to birds.
Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2:
The Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 is a high-quality camera add-on
designed specifically for Raspberry Pi boards. Its 8-megapixel Sony IMX219
image sensor and fixed-focus lens deliver stunningly detailed and vibrant
photographs.
3.4.2 Connections: -
Mecanum wheel motor connection.
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The wheels' terminals are connected to L298N drivers as follows.
We have used two driver modules, each powering two front motors and two
back motors.
L298N connections
First driver:
+12V GND 5V ENA LN1 LN2 LN3 LN4 ENB
Batter Batter - Pin32 Pin 11 Pin 7 Pin 5 Pin 3 Pin 12
y y,
Second driver:
+12V GND 5V ENA LN1 LN2 LN3 LN4 ENB
Batter Batter - Pin 35 Pin 19 Pin 24 Pin 15 Pin 13 Pin 33
y y,
SEN50 DHT11 sensor (temperature and humidity detector)
VCC DATA GND
Pin1 Pin16 Pin14
IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor
OUT GND VCC
Pin26 Battery Battery
HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
VCC Trig Echo GND
Battery Pin23 Pin29 Battery
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Acoustic Sensor
AO G + DO
- Battery Battery Pin36
Servo Motors
Motor1:
VCC GND SIG
Pin2 Pin20 Pin18
Motor2:
VCC GND SIG
Pin4 Pin39 Pin37
According to the following image, the 'Pin' is of Raspberry Pi 4.
3.5 Coding of Agribot
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Working of Ultrasonic sensor:
The primary problem solved by the code for an ultrasonic sensor in an
agricultural robot is obstacle detection and avoidance. The ultrasonic sensor
emits a high-frequency sound wave, and the code measures the time it takes
for the sound wave to bounce off an object and return to the sensor. Based
on the travel time, the code calculates the distance between the Robot and
the obstacle. The code triggers an evasive manoeuvre when the obstacle is
within a specific pre-programmed danger zone. This involves stopping the
Robot.
Measurement of distance (Code)
defmeasure_distance():
GPIO.output(TRIG_PIN, True)
time.sleep(0.00001)
GPIO.output(TRIG_PIN, False)
Working of DHT11 Sensor:
The DHT11 sensor detects both temperature and humidity.
The code interacts with the sensor to retrieve these readings.
The retrieved data allows the Robot to understand the surrounding
environment.
Reading of Sensor (Code)
defread_sensor_data():
humidity, temperature = Adafruit_DHT.read_retry(SENSOR, GPIO_PIN)
if humidity is not None and temperature is not None:
Return temperature, humidity
else:
print('Failed to read sensor data!')
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Working of IR sensor:
IR sensors can also be used for basic object detection and sorting.
The code analyzes the received IR signal strength or pattern to differentiate
between objects.
Obstacle Detection (Code)
ifobstacle_detected():
print("Obstacle detected!")
stop()
else:
move_forward()
time.sleep(0.1)
Working of Acoustic Sensor:
Acoustic sensors detect insects through the noise they produce. This sensor
detects their sound and helps our Robot analyze insects and protect the farm
from their attack
Detection of sound
def callback(channel):
print("Sound detected!")
3.6 Challenges faced
Developing an Agribot that combines various agricultural tasks presents
several challenges. Let's explore some of these challenges:
Integration of Multiple Functions: Combining different tasks into a single
robot requires seamless mechanical, electronic, and software components
integration. Ensuring the Robot can perform each function effectively without
compromising others is a significant challenge.
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Precision and Accuracy: Each task—whether seeding, pesticide
application, or liquid spraying—requires precise execution. Accurate
placement of seeds, pesticides, and other substances is crucial for successful
crop growth. Maintaining consistent precision across different functions is a
challenge.
Sensor Fusion: To operate effectively, the Robot needs various sensors to
perceive its surroundings. Integrating data from these sensors and making
real-time decisions based on the combined information is complex.
Adaptability to Terrain and Environment: Agricultural environments can
be unpredictable and varied. Robots must be designed to navigate uneven
terrain and handle obstacles like rocks and plants.
Power Management and Endurance: Agricultural tasks often require
extended periods of operation in remote areas without access to power
sources. Efficient power management systems and long-lasting battery
solutions are necessary to ensure continuous operation and minimize
downtime.
Cost and Scalability: Developing and deploying agricultural robots can be
expensive, especially for small-scale farmers. Ensuring cost-effectiveness
and scalability to meet the needs of different farm sizes and budgets is
essential for widespread adoption.
4. Social Impact and Innovation
The AgriBot project introduces a cutting-edge robotic rover designed to
automate and optimize essential agricultural tasks. Its integration into
modern farming promises significant societal benefits, ranging from
increased agricultural productivity to enhanced environmental sustainability.
Enhanced Agricultural Productivity
AgriBot's advanced technology and precise application methods result in:
- Higher Crop Yields: Precision irrigation, seeding, and fertilization ensure
optimal growth conditions, leading to increased crop yields.
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- Improved Crop Quality: By applying organic fertilizers and pesticides
with precision, AgriBot enhances crop quality, providing healthier produce for
consumers.
Environmental Sustainability
AgriBot supports sustainable farming practices through:
- Organic Methods: Using organic fertilizers and pesticides minimizes
harmful chemical use, protecting soil health and biodiversity.
- Resource Optimization: Precise water and nutrient application reduces
waste and conserves vital resources, promoting long-term environmental
stewardship.
Technological Advancement
The integration of AgriBot represents a significant step forward in agricultural
technology:
- Innovation in Farming: Adoption of advanced robotics and sensor
technologies drives the modernization of agriculture.
- Skill Development: Farmers and agricultural workers gain new skills and
expertise in managing and maintaining sophisticated farming equipment.
AgriBot is poised to profoundly impact society by revolutionizing agricultural
practices. Its benefits extend beyond individual farms, contributing to
economic growth, environmental sustainability, rural development, and
global food security. By embracing technological advancements and
promoting sustainable farming, AgriBot empowers farmers and strengthens
the agricultural sector, ensuring society's more prosperous and resilient
future.
4.1 Importance of AgriBot
- Meeting Rising Demand: With the global population expected to reach
9.7 billion by 2050, increasing food production sustainably is crucial.
AgriBot's efficiency and precision help meet this growing demand.
- Job Creation and Skill Development: While automation reduces some
manual labour needs, it also creates new job opportunities in technology
management and maintenance, fostering economic stability and growth in
rural areas.
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- Reduction of Agricultural Footprint: Precision in resource application
reduces agriculture's environmental footprint, helping combat issues like
water scarcity and soil degradation.
- Driving Innovation: AgriBot represents a significant leap forward in
agricultural technology, encouraging further innovation and development in
the sector.
AgriBot is a critical innovation for modern agriculture, offering solutions to
increase efficiency, enhance crop quality, and promote sustainability. Its
impact on food security, economic stability, environmental conservation, and
technological advancement underscores its importance in addressing global
agriculture's challenges today.
4.2 Potential Beneficiaries of AgriBot
Farmers
- Smallholder Farmers: AgriBot's automation can benefit smallholder farmers,
who often lack access to advanced farming technologies. By reducing labour
costs and increasing efficiency, small farms can become more profitable and
sustainable.
- Large-Scale Farmers: For larger operations, AgriBot can significantly reduce
labour costs and increase productivity, leading to higher profits and more
efficient resource use.
Rural Communities
- Rural Workforce: Automation may reduce the need for some manual
labour but can also create new opportunities for managing and maintaining
advanced robotic systems, promoting skill development, and creating higher-
wage jobs.
- Local Economies: Increased farm profitability can lead to greater
economic stability and growth in rural areas, benefiting local businesses and
services.
Consumers
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- Access to Quality Produce: Improved crop quality and yield mean
consumers can access fresher, healthier produce. This can improve nutrition
and health outcomes, particularly in areas where food security is a concern.
- Stable Prices: Increased efficiency and higher yields can help stabilize
food prices, making fresh produce more affordable.
5. REFERENCES
Ø WEBSITES:
· WWW.CHAT.OPENAI.COM
· WWW.GOOGLE.COM
· WWW.YOUTUBE.COM
· WWW.WIKIPEDIA.COM
Ø People we have met:
· Farmers & Horticulturists
· Activists of NGOs engaged in improving soil
· Organisations engaged in developing & promoting organic farming
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