PROJECT
PROJECT
INTRODUCTION
The modern world is currently facing numerous challenges, with a significant emphasis on
Agriculture, as a crucial sector, necessitates innovative solutions to tackle issues like labor
shortages, climate variability, and limited arable land. In response to these challenges, the
repetitive and labor-intensive tasks such as planting, irrigation, and weeding. In Nigeria,
where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy, involving a substantial portion of the
population and making significant contributions to the GDP, the introduction of automated
robots could potentially revolutionize farming practices and bolster food security (Shamshiri
et al., 2018).
engaging women and children in farming activities. The introduction of automated robots
reinforce food security, and meet the basic human needs for sustenance and comfort (Olum et
al., 2019).
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economic concerns. These technologies, encompassing sensors, robotics, and unmanned
aerial vehicles, offer advantages for farmers and society at large (Degieter et al., 2023).
edge technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence, agricultural practices can be
The current agricultural methods for planting crops are labor-intensive and often
inefficient, leading to issues such as uneven planting, inconsistent crop yields, and resource
wastage. To overcome these challenges, there is a critical need for the development of an
automatic planting robot that can conduct precise and efficient planting operations while
minimizing human labor and resource inputs. Traditional farming practices heavily reliant on
manual labor are unsustainable in the long term, especially in the face of a rapidly changing
solution to enhance efficiency, reduce labor demands, and optimize resource utilization.
planting while decreasing the necessity for human intervention. However, the design and
construction of such robots require a deep understanding of robotics, machine learning, and
agriculture. This project aims to address the inefficiencies in current planting methods by
developing an automated planting robot that can streamline planting processes, improve crop
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yields, and mitigate resource wastage, thereby contributing to sustainable and efficient
agricultural practices.
The goal of this endeavor is to create and build an automated planting robot with
e) To enable adaptability to diverse crop types and soil conditions, catering to the
specific needs of farmers on a global scale.
This project aims to develop and deploy an automated planting robot controlled remotely
through Arduino technology. The primary objective is to modernize agricultural practices and
tackle sector-specific challenges. The successful creation of an automatic planting robot has
the potential to revolutionize agriculture, paving the way for a sustainable and efficient future
in the industry.
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This project will center on the design and fabrication of an automatic planting robot,
emphasizing the following critical components:
c) Crop Versatility Assurance: Guaranteeing the robot's capacity to plant a wide array of
crops across varying environmental conditions, enhancing its adaptability and utility.
The report is structured into five distinct chapters presented in a logical sequence.
Chapter one serves as an introduction to the study, providing an overview of the research
objectives. Chapter two delves into the literature review and theoretical framework, offering a
comprehensive analysis of existing knowledge in the field. Chapter three details the design
and implementation of the project, outlining the methodology and technical aspects. In
chapter four, the outcomes and discussions derived from system testing are presented,
shedding light on the project's performance. The final chapter encapsulates the study with a
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conclusion and recommendations, synthesizing key findings and proposing future directions
for research.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides a thorough analysis of the existing literature and research
overview of the current landscape of agricultural robotics. It explores the historical evolution,
technological advancements, and specific challenges that underscore the need for planting
robots in modern agriculture. By examining these aspects, the review aims to establish a
foundation for research, identify gaps in current knowledge, and highlight areas where
innovation is crucial.
deep learning (LeCun et al., 2015), advancements in plant-inspired soft robotics (Xu et al.,
2021), and the integration of robotics in various fields such as spinal surgery Khalsa et al.
(2021) and rectal cancer treatment (Tejedor et al., 2020). Additionally, it draws insights from
technologies (Peters et al., 2018), and the application of robotics in neck surgery (Byeon &
technological advancements in plant production systems (Uyeh et al., 2022), and the
Moreover, the review incorporates research on the impact of artificial intelligence and
robotics in human resource management (Vrontis et al., 2021), potential disruptions in the
services industry (Buhalis et al., 2019), and the optimization of greenhouse layouts for
efficient robot navigation (Uyeh et al., 2019). It also includes investigations into gecko-
inspired wall-climbing robots (Chen et al., 2019), robotic applications in plant pathology
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(Ampatzidis et al., 2017), and the achievements in disaster robotics competitions (Tadokoro
et al., 2019). Furthermore, it considers the prospects of robotics in the food industry (Iqbal et
al., 2017), the utilization of robots in mastectomy procedures (Sarfati et al., 2017), and the
Additionally, the review encompasses studies on the use of artificial intelligence and
service robots in tourism and hospitality (Kumar et al., 2021), the implementation of
automatic robots in precision agriculture (Bhimanpallewar & Narasingarao, 2020), and the
application of robotic surgery in various medical procedures (O’Malley et al., 2006; Park et
al., 2018). It also explores soft robotics implementation and control methods (Al-Ibadi et al.,
2023), autonomous wall-climbing robots for structural inspection (Garrido & Sattar, 2021),
and other relevant research contributing to the advancement of robotic technologies in diverse
domains.
In this section, concepts that are fundamental to understanding the project are
Firstly electronics, which is the branch of engineering that deals with the emission,
behavior, and control of electrons in vacuum and matter. It involves the design, development,
and application of circuits and components used in devices like computers, smartphones,
televisions, etc. Electronic circuits are interconnected electronic components that control the
flow of electrons to perform a specific function. Electronic circuits can be used to amplify
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Electronics is a broad field, and there are many different branches of electronics. Some of the
most common branches include:
i. Digital electronics
ii. Analogue electronics
iii. Microelectronics
iv. Power electronics
v. Semiconductor electronics
vi. Embedded systems
vii. Audio electronics
viii. Telecommunications
It's crucial to integrate these aspects effectively to create a robot capable of revolutionizing
sensors, actuators, and control algorithms for autonomous operation. This section gives an
introduction to the units of the robot, the way they function and other properties relating to
i. Relay
ii. Arduino Uno Board
iii. Bluetooth Module
iv. Driver Motors
v. Servo Motor
vi. DC Motor
vii. DC Water Pump
viii. Battery
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2.3.1 Relay
Relay was used where it was necessary to control the circuit by an independent low-
power signal, or where several circuits must be controlled by one signal. The relays in this
work are connected to the two loads so that at appropriate conditions and times when a
command is sent, the relay can either open or close to switch on or off the load points. A 12V
DC relay was used in this project. Figure 2.1 shows an ideal DPDT relay.
The Arduino board serves as the central control unit for the farming robot. It interfaces with
various sensors, motors, and modules to execute different agricultural tasks. Figure 2.2 shows
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Table 2.1 Arduino UNO R3 Specifications
Board Name Arduino UNO R3
Microcontroller ATmega328P
PWM pins 6
I2C Yes
Dimensions Weight 25 g
Width 53.4 mm
Length 68.6 Mm
A Bluetooth module enables wireless communication between the Arduino board and the
Android application, allowing users to control the robot remotely. Acts like a Bluetooth serial
monitor. Enables the microcontroller to exchange data with other Bluetooth devices such as
PC or Android smartphone. The module used in this project, HC-05 Bluetooth Module is an
easy to use Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Protocol) module, designed for transparent wireless
serial connection setup. Its communication is via serial communication which makes an easy
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way to interface with controller or PC. 13 HC-05 Bluetooth module provides switching mode
between master and slave mode which means it’s able to use neither receiving nor
transmitting data (iteadstudio.com, 2010). Figure 2.3 shows bluethoot module for R&D used.
2.3.4 Motors
Driver Motor: The driver motor is responsible for propelling the robot across the field. A
motor driver is an electronic device that controls the speed and direction of an electric motor.
It can be used to control small motors like toys, remote-controlled cars, or robots.it can also
be used to control larger motors in industrial applications. Figure 2.4 shows L298 driver
module used. While Table 2.2 shows motor driver specifications used.
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Table 2.2 Motor Driver Specifications
Motor output voltage 5 V – 35 V
The servo motor is employed for precision planting actions. This motor rotates at 180 degrees
and back. While Figure 2.5shows the servo motor mechanism used.
2.3.6 DC Motors
Four DC motors are dedicated to driving the wheels of the robot, facilitating movement
across the field. Another DC motor controls the weeding blade. A DC motor is an electrical
motor that uses direct current (DC) to produce mechanical force. The most common types
rely on magnetic forces produced by currents in the coils. Nearly all types of DC motors have
direction of current in part of the motor. They could be powered from existing direct-current
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lighting power distribution systems. A DC motor’s speed can be controlled over a wide
range, using either a variable supply voltage or by changing the strength of current in its field
windings. Small DC motors are used in tools, toys, and appliances. Figure 2.6 shows the DC
The DC water pump is responsible for watering the crops during the farming process,
ensuring adequate moisture levels. It can also be used during chemical weeding process.
The power supply unit is the section that powers the portable Bluetooth based attendance
device composing of 6 bank of 3.7 V batteries connected in series. The lithium battery cell used are as
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Figure 2.8 Battery Cell
A robot planter for sweet peppers used in greenhouses was created by Hemming et al.
(2015). The manipulator prototype includes nine degrees of freedom to ensure optimum
flexibility. On a rail system, the chassis slides between the rows of crops. Shamshiri and Wan
Ishak (2018) applied a nonlinear Lyapunov-based control approach for joint angles tracking
while working on an oil palm manipulator harvester. The analysis was conducted using a
two-link oil palm planting robot manipulator. Other works included the mango, almond,
apple, strawberry, cherry fruit, and tomato planter as described by Shamshiri et al. (2018), as
In order to acquire phenotypic data from individual plants for subsequent research,
Young et al. (2019) created a mobile robot. It detected each plant's stem width close to the
base using an integrated depth sensor and estimated plant height using stereo imaging
techniques.
One of the most sophisticated agricultural robots was the six-legged flowerpot robot
that was built in 2014. The extremely intelligent robot can move the plant under its care
toward and away from the sun's rays. Additionally, the robot is trained to dance to signal
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CHAPTER THREE
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter, delve into the details of the hardware components integration in the
robot to create a functional automated planting robot. The key components utilized in this
project are the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE Software), Arduino Uno
board with an ATmega328P chip, four 12 V geared DC motors for mobility, an L298N driver
module for wheel control, a servo motor for the planting mechanism, and a Bluetooth module
for mobile control. Figure 3.1 shows the circuit module connections.
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3.2.1 Arduino UNO with ATMEGA328P
These boards are designed for beginners and hobbyists. They are typically less
expensive and easier to use than other Arduino boards. Popular entry-level boards include the
These boards are designed for developers and engineers. They are typically more
expensive and more powerful than entry-level boards. Development boards often have
additional features, such as more pins, more memory, and faster processors. Popular
development boards include the Arduino Due, Arduino Mega, and Arduino Zero.
These boards are designed for specific applications, such as robotics, home
automation, and industrial control. They often have unique features and hardware that are
optimized for their specific applications. Popular specialized boards include the Arduino
It was decided to use Arduino Uno board due to the under listed reasons:
a) Budget: Due to limited funds to complete a prototype Arduino Uno is the best to use
for now.
b) Experience level: This project is still in the learning phase and for research purpose,
c) Project requirements: Arduino Uno can take all the systems variables hence, arduino
Uno was integrated into our set goals and object. So, using a Uno board is enough for
the project.
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The Entry level Arduino Uno board serves as the central processing unit for our
automated planter robot. It is equipped with an ATmega328P microcontroller, which runs the
control software responsible for Bluetooth and navigating actuator control. The ATmega328P
chip provides the necessary computational power and interfacing capabilities to communicate
with the other components. All the code/programs written are embedded on the ATmega328P
chip. While the Arduino Uno board coordinate the activities of the whole system. Arduino
board design are as follows. The Arduino board has a variety of pins that can be used to
i. Digital pins: These pins can be used to read or write digital signals, such as
HIGH (5 V) or LOW (0 V). They can also be used to generate PWM signals,
ii. Analog pins: These pins can be used to read or write analog signals, such as the
voltage from a sensor. They can also be used to generate analog waveforms, such
iii. Special pins: These pins are used for specific purposes, such as serial
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Table 3.1: Provides a Detailed Explanation of each Arduino Board Pin
Pin Name/Function Description
0 TX Serials transmit pin
1 RX Serials receive pin
2 INT0 External interrupt pin 0
3 INT1 External interrupt pin 1
4 PWM3 PWM pin 3
5 PWM6 PWM pin 6
6 PWM9 PWM pin 9
7 PWM10 PWM pin 10
8 Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) SPI clock pin
9 Master-In Slave-Out Pin (MISO) SPI master-in slave-out pin
10 SS SPI slaves select pin
11 Master-Out Slave-In Pin (MOSI) SPI master-out slave-in pin
12 RESET Reset pin
13 LED Built-in LED pin
A0 Analog pin 0 Use for taking analog data
A1 Analog pin 1 Use for taking analog data
A2 Analog pin 2 Use for taking analog data
A3 Analog pin 3 Use for taking analog data
A4 Analog pin 4 Use for taking analog data
A5 Analog pin 5 Use for taking analog data
ATm Coordinate the activities of the
ega32 Microcontroller chip microprocessors
8P
In addition to the pins listed above, the Arduino board also has a few other pins that
can be used for specific purposes. For example, the Arduino Uno has a power jack, a USB
connection, and an ICSP header. Power Section: This includes the 12 V barrel jack, it was
reconstructed to fit into 12 V battery packed with 6 Cells of refurbished batteries. The power
from this section is further divided into 3.3 V, 5 V, and ground (GND) terminal and can also
handle 7 V components. Figure 3.2 shows the arduino Uno pin out.
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Figure 3.2: Arduino Uno Pin Out
first.
Step1: Get a USB cable, connect it to the Arduino board, wait for it to initialize.
Step4: Select the kind of Arduino port you are using from the options available from the
To use an Arduino board pin, you first need to configure the pin as either an input or
an output. This can be done using the pinMode() function. Once the pin has been configured,
you can read or write to the pin using the digitalRead(), digitalWrite(), analogRead(), and
analogWrite() functions.
For example, the following code will configure pin 13 as an output and then turn on the built-
in LED:
pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
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The following code will configure pin A0 as an input and then read the voltage from
the pin:
pinMode(A0, INPUT);
So, with these basic ways of using the Arduino pins. The Arduino board pins can be a
powerful tool that can be used to connect a wide variety of electronic components. By
understanding the different types of pins and how to use them, you can create projects that
The robot's mobility is ensured by four 12-volt geared DC motors. Figure 3.3 shows an
alternating forms motor terminal to ease turning left and right of the robotic car.
Figure 3.3: Alternating forms motor terminal to ease turning left and right
These motors are responsible for driving the wheels or tracks that propel the robot
across the planting area. The motors are carefully positioned and aligned to provide stability
and maneuverability for the robot. The geared motor does not have any polarity. On both
hand side the connections are interchanged between two different poles of the terminal, this is
to allow turning of the robot between left hand side and right-hand side. Without this
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connection, it won’t turn as required when the commands are initiated from the mobile app
according to the codes written from the Arduino IDE. The two terminals from each side will
then be connected to the L298N motor driver, it has 4 pin for wheel connections.
The L298N driver module plays a crucial role in controlling the geared DC motors of
the automated planter robot. It connects to the Arduino Uno and serves to amplify power and
manage the direction of the motors. This allows the robot to move precisely in response to
navigation commands programmed in the Arduino IDE software. Furthermore, the L298N
driver module is essential for dividing the incoming voltage from the primary power source
into two separate voltage supplies, providing both 12 V and 5 V, along with the necessary
ground terminals. It also features enable pins (EN1, EN2) that are connected to specific ports
on the Arduino, and these pins need to be defined within the Arduino IDE code. Table 3.2
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The L298N Motor Driver Module is a powerful motor control module designed for
driving DC and Stepper Motors. It combines an L298 motor driver IC with a 78M05 5 V
with the ability to manage their direction and speed. Figure 3.4 shows the motor driver used
e) Logic Voltage: 5 V
g) Driver Current: 2 A
i) Maximum Power: 25 W
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k) Heatsink for better performance.
The L298N Motor Driver module consists of an L298 Motor Driver IC, 78M05
voltage regulator, resistors, capacitor, Power LED, 5 V, and jumper in an integrated circuit.
78M05 voltage regulator will be enabled only when the jumper is placed. When the power
supply is less than or equal to 12 V, then the internal circuitry will be powered by the voltage
regulator and the 5 V pin can be used as an output pin to power the microcontroller. The
jumper should not be placed when the power supply is greater than 12 V and separate 5 V
should be given through 5 V terminal to power the internal circuitry. ENA & ENB pins are
speed control pins for Motor A & Motor B while IN1& IN2 and IN3 & IN4 are direction
control pins for motor A and motor B. Figure 3.5 shows the internal circuit diagram of
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3.3 PLANTING MECHANISM - SERVO MOTOR
a) Servo motor
c) Seed cup
The planting mechanism is actuated by a servo motor. This servo motor is responsible for
precise positioning and control of the planting tool. The servo's rotational movement allows
for accurate placement of seeds or seedlings into the soil. The servo motor's angle and speed
are controlled by the Arduino Uno, ensuring precise planting depth and spacing. The servo
motor must be calibrated to the required angle before permanently placing it in the system.
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3.3.1 Micro Servo SG-90 Features
The micro Servo SG-90 Features are as listed:
a) Operating Voltage is +5 V typically.
b) Torque: 2.5 kg/cm
c) Operating speed is 0.1s/60°
d) Gear Type: Plastic
e) Rotation: 0°-180°
f) Weight of motor: 9 gm
g) Package includes gear horns and screws.
The SG-90 servo motor is a commonly used micro servo motor in various electronic
applications due to its compact size, lightweight design, and affordability. It is widely
recognized for its compatibility with different microcontroller platforms, making it a popular
choice for hobbyists, students, and professionals alike. The SG-90 servo motor is known for
its precise control of angular position and speed, making it suitable for tasks such as
motion control applications. Its equivalent models may include the TowerPro SG92R, EMAX
ES08A, and Hitec HS-55, which offer similar performance characteristics and can be used
There are lots of servo motors available in the market and each one has its own
specialty and applications. SG-90 Servo Motor was carefully selected because it can carry the
torque required by the system and a good specimen for a prototype model that is intended to
be made. This 2.5 kg/cm torque means that the motor can pull a weight of 2.5 kg when it is
suspended at 1 cm. If the load is suspended at 0.5 cm then the motor can pull a load of 5 kg;
similarly, if the load is suspended at 2 cm, then it can pull only 1.25. The motor operates on
4.8 V to 6.5 V. The higher the voltage, the higher the torque that can be achieved, but most
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commonly they are operated at +5 V. It rotates only from 0° to 180° due to its gear
arrangement.
After selecting the right Servo motor for the project, the question arises of how to use
it. As is known, there are three wires coming out of this motor. The description of the same is
given on top of this page. To make this motor rotate, the motor must be powered with +5 V
using the Red and Brown wire and PWM signals need to be sent to the Orange color wire.
Hence, something that could generate PWM signals is needed to make this motor work.
picture given in the datasheet. From the picture it can be seen that the PWM signal produced
should have a frequency of 50 Hz that is the PWM period should be 20 ms. Out of which the
On-Time can vary from 1ms to 2ms. So, when the on-time is 1ms the motor will be in 0° and
when 1.5 ms the motor will be 90°, similarly when it is 2ms it will be 180°. So, by varying
the on-time from 1ms to 2ms the motor can be controlled from 0° to 180°.
The seed bed is a flat punched acrylic polymer which is connected to the servo motor with
and Handle. The seed cup is placed on the seed bed for easy movement and to reduce friction
in the system. Figure 3.8 shows the robot seed planter hole.
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Figure 3.8: Robot Seed Planter Hole
It is the cup that is used to accommodate the plant seedlings in the planter system. This cup
can be of many varieties, but the amount of volume it can hold should be within the limit of
the torque of the servo motor chosen for the project. This will allow easy optimization and
productivity of the system with high efficiency and maintainability. Figure 3.9 shows the
The robot is equipped with a Bluetooth module to facilitate mobile control and
wireless communication. This module enables remote control and monitoring of the robot's
operation via a mobile device. Users can send commands to the robot, change its operational
mode, and receive real-time feedback on its status through a dedicated mobile application.
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Typical Bluetooth module used was HC-05 Bluetooth Module which is an easy-to-use
Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Protocol) module, designed for transparent wireless serial
connection setup.
Caution: The Tx can transmit signal of 3.3 V to 6 V, it will be bad for the Bluetooth circuit
to receive signals at the rate of 5 V, the required volts is only 3.3 V. For this reason, a voltage
divider circuit was created between the Tx of the Bluetooth to get 3.3 V and then 1.7 V is
channeled to the ground. Figure 3.10 shows the embedded bluethoot sensor used.
The robot chassis is the base or frame of the robot. It is responsible for supporting the
robot's weight and providing a platform for the robot's actuators and sensors. Robot which is
made from laser-cut black acrylic plastics is of two plates. It was doubled to give it the
resistance to withstand the weight of all the payloads. The design was custom to the design
specifications, hence the reason a custom-made chassis was built that can give the perfect fit
for the payloads instead of acquiring a ready-made chassis. Some of the key factors
considered in designing the robot chassis include the fundamentals of structural engineering.
a) Weight: The robot chassis must be able to support the weight of the robot's
b) Strength: The robot chassis must be strong enough to withstand the forces that will be
c) Rigidity: The robot chassis must be rigid enough to prevent the robot from flexing or
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d) Size: The robot chassis must be the right size for the robot's application.
The chassis was designed with fusion 360, the Gerber files were extracted unto a laser cutter
Gathering of necessary materials and tools: This include the materials that the chassis will
be made from, as well as any necessary tools, such as a Computer with Fusion360 installed,
Laser cutter machine, and a puncher for punching smaller holes that are stiffed to the
prototype.
Cut the materials to the desired dimensions: This was done using a laser cutter machine,
lathe machine and drilling machine to give us desired shapes for chassis and wheel mounting
device.
Assemble the chassis: The two flat surface was mounted together and bolted to their
respective components.
Attach the actuators and sensors: The actuators, Arduino boards, sensors and the rest of the
Test the chassis: Test was carried out on the chassis; it is important to test it to make sure
that it is strong enough and rigid enough to support the robot's weight and withstand the
A wheel is a circular component that is intended to rotate. The wheels are controlled
forward and reverse by Arduino programming with the help of driver circuit. Wheels are the
main part of any movable robot; two small size wheels. Both the wheels run by two 100 rpm
DC motors. These wheels are controlled by microcontroller. Figure 3.11 shows the wheel of
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Figure 3.11: Robot wheel
Power supply to the circuit was improvised with refurbished lithium cells, each cells
provide 3.7 V. These batteries are connected in series and then in parallel to give a combined
3.8 CIRCUITRY
The circuitry modules are explained in the following sub headings:
3.8.1 Circuitry Design
The circuitry design for the automated planter robot is relatively simple. The main
components are the Arduino Uno board, the L298N motor driver module, the servo motor,
and the Bluetooth module. The Arduino Uno board is used to control all of the other
components in the system. The L298N motor driver module is used to control the speed and
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direction of the four geared DC motors. The servo motor is used to control the mechanism of
the planter. The Bluetooth module is used to allow for mobile control of the system.
The Arduino Uno board is connected to the L298N motor driver module using a
breadboard and jumper wires. The L298N motor driver module is connected to the four
geared DC motors using the same method. The servo motor is connected to the Arduino Uno
board using a breadboard and jumper wires. The Bluetooth module is connected to the
Arduino Uno board: The Arduino Uno board is the main controller for the system. It is
responsible for reading the sensor data, controlling the motors, and communicating with the
Bluetooth module.
L298N motor driver module: The L298N motor driver module is used to control the speed
Servo motor: The servo motor is used to control the mechanism of the planter.
Bluetooth module: The Bluetooth module is used to allow for mobile control of the system
Arduino Uno board to L298N motor driver module: The Arduino Uno board is connected
to the L298N motor driver module using a breadboard and jumper wires.
ii. Arduino Uno board pin 10 to L298N motor driver module input 2
iii. Arduino Uno board pin 11 to L298N motor driver module input 3
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iv. Arduino Uno board pin 12 to L298N motor driver module input 4
L298N motor driver module to four geared DC motors: The L298N motor driver module
is connected to the four geared DC motors using a breadboard and jumper wires. The
Servo motor to Arduino Uno board: The servo motor is connected to the Arduino Uno
board using a breadboard and jumper wires. The following connections are made:
iii. Servo motor ground wire to Arduino Uno board ground pin
Bluetooth module to Arduino Uno board: The Bluetooth module is connected to the
Arduino Uno board using a breadboard and jumper wires. The following connections are
made:
Caution: the Tx can transmit signal of 3.3 V to 6 V, it will be bad for the Bluetooth circuit to
receive signals at the rate of 5 volts, the required volts is only 3.3 V. For this reason, a
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voltage divider circuit is created between the Tx of the Bluetooth to get 3.3 V and then 1.7 V
This is just a basic circuitry design for the automated planter robot. Additional
components, such as sensors and actuators, can be added to the system to increase its
functionality.
environments are provided in this section. This section also talks about the control and
3.8.2.1 Programming
programs and communicate with them. Software written using Arduino is called sketches.
These sketches are written in the text editor. Sketches are saved with the file extension.ino. It
has features for cutting/pasting and for searching/replacing text. The message area gives
feedback while saving and exporting and displays errors. The console displays text output by
the Arduino environment including complete error messages and other information. The
bottom right-hand corner of the window displays the current board and serial port. The
toolbar buttons allow you to verify and upload programs, create, open, and save sketches, and
a) The rotors are connected in pairs, the connections are parallel for each pair. They
are placed opposite each other so that each connected pair is in control of one side
(Left or Right).
b) The geared motors are fastened to the lower chassis using the wheel supports.
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d) On the upper car chassis, the batteries are placed on one end, the motor driver is
just in front of it and the Arduino Uno is placed on the other end
e) The wires of the rotors which were passed through the perforated holes to the
upper chassis are connected to the motor driver at the output terminals at the sides.
f) The positive terminal of the batteries which are connected in series is connected to
the switch, the other end of the switch is connected to the positive terminal of the
motor driver. The negative terminal of the batteries is connected to the negative
g) Vin of the Arduino uno is connected to the positive terminal of the motor driver
h) The encoder pins on the motor driver are connected to the Arduino uno as shown
iv. Tx connected to Rx
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3.8.3 Component Integration of the System
This aspect demonstrates how the different components joined together to function
automated planter robot. The Arduino Uno serves as the central controller, orchestrating the
operation of the geared DC motors for mobility, the servo motor for planting, and the
Bluetooth module for communication. The control software running on the Arduino Uno
interprets commands from the user through the mobile application, processes data from
various sensors, and executes tasks such as navigating, planting, and reporting environmental
conditions.
efficient autonomous operation. The L298N driver module and servo motor are connected to
the Arduino Uno using digital and PWM pins for precise control of motor speed, direction,
and the overall system architecture, which are essential for the successful functioning of the
automated planter robot. The software and hardware components will be combined to create a
All electronic devices need a protection case where they would be housed, as the
name implies, the case would protect the devices from any outward danger and protect the
user from any inward danger too, it would make the device more portable to handle as well as
make it look more presentable and more durable. Figure 3.13 shows the casing and
components design.
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Figure 3.13: Casing and components design
The complete circuit is housed in a rectangular frame, made of an acrylic casing. The
c) Portability of project
d) Aesthetic appeal
The casing is done to not only give the system adequate protection but to also make it
look presentable.
The electronic components were connected using jumper wires as explained below and
glued. The following steps were followed in putting the components together.
a) The rotors are connected in pairs, the connections are parallel for each pair. They are
placed opposite each other so that each connected pair is in control of one side (Left
or Right).
b) The geared motors are fastened to the lower chassis using the wheel supports.
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c) The wheels are then attached to the geared motors.
d) On the upper car chassis, the batteries are placed on one end, the motor driver is just
e) The wires of the rotors which were passed through the perforated holes to the upper
chassis are connected to the motor driver at the output terminals at the sides.
f) The positive terminal of the batteries which are connected in series is connected to the
switch. The other end of the switch is connected to the positive terminal of the motor
driver. The negative terminal of the batteries is connected to the negative terminal of
g) Vin of the Arduino uno is connected to the positive terminal of the motor driver and
h) The encoder pins on the motor driver are connected to the Arduino uno as shown
iv. Tx connected to Rx
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CHAPTER FOUR
In the design analysis of the robotic car planter, several key aspects were considered
to ensure the successful construction and operation of the device. The design process likely
involved determining the overall structure of the robotic car planter, including the chassis
design, the placement of the planting mechanism, and the integration of the robotic
components for autonomous operation. Factors such as weight distribution, power source
selection, and material choice were likely taken into account to optimize the performance and
During the construction of the circuit for the robotic car planter, specific procedures
were likely followed to ensure the proper assembly and functioning of the electronic
components. This may have involved soldering various electrical connections, integrating
sensors and actuators, and programming the microcontroller or control unit to execute the
desired tasks. Quality control measures such as testing individual components, checking for
short circuits, and verifying the circuit connections were likely implemented to prevent
In terms of measurement, various metrics may have been used to evaluate the
performance of the robotic car planter. These could include measuring the speed and
accuracy of the planting mechanism, assessing the navigation capabilities of the robotic car,
and analyzing the power consumption of the device during operation. Data logging and
sensor readings may have been utilized to collect information on soil conditions, plant
growth, and environmental factors to optimize the planting process and improve the overall
38
The results obtained from the observations of the robotic car planter would have
provided valuable insights into its functionality and effectiveness. These results may have
included data on the planting success rate, the coverage area of the planting mechanism, and
the overall performance of the robotic car planter in different soil types and environmental
design and operation of the robotic car planter could be identified to enhance its capabilities
The initial phase of the project involved temporary construction, which was essential
for prototyping and testing. A breadboard served as the foundational platform for this phase.
The temporary construction allowed us to assess the functionality of the circuit and make
necessary adjustments.
The power supply is a critical component in the operation of the farming robot. To
provide the necessary voltage and current for efficient functioning, a battery setup was
implemented using six 3.7 V lithium cells. This arrangement was chosen to achieve a stable
12 V power source, addressing the issue of the battery draining quickly, which was observed
a) Battery Selection: the high-capacity battery of3.7 V lithium cells was used. The
decision to use six cells was made to increase the overall voltage, providing more
b) Battery Enclosure: For safety and convenience, the batteries were housed in a suitable
enclosure that prevented contact with other components and offered protection against
external elements.
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c) Connection: To attain the desired 12 V output, 2 of the battery cells were connected
in parallel. This connection involves linking the positive terminal of one cell to the
positive terminal and negative terminal of one cell to the negative terminal of the next
cell and then connecting the 3 parallel connected lithium cells were connected in
series. This connection involves linking the positive terminal of one cell to the
negative terminal of the next cell, creating a cumulative effect of voltage addition.
d) Battery Mounting: The battery pack was securely mounted within the robot's chassis.
This positioning was carefully selected to balance the weight distribution and ensure
By implementing this six-cell 3.7 V lithium battery setup and integrating a battery
management system, was achieved a stable and efficient power supply that significantly
improved the robot's operational longevity. Figure 4.1 shows the battery series and parallel
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4.4 PERMANENT CONSTRUCTION
Following successful testing in the temporary phase, the project advanced to permanent
construction.
During the construction phase of the farming robot, an issue was encountered due to the
speed of the servo motor connected to the planter mechanism. The original speed setting of
the servo motor was observed to be excessively fast, hindering the controlled release of seeds.
This issue was critical to address, as precise seed placement is essential for efficient planting.
a) Identification of Speed Issue: Upon initial testing, it was observed that the servo
motor, when engaged, operated at a speed that was too rapid for the intended task. This
b) Adjustment of Speed Setting: The servo motor's speed setting was adjusted by
modifying the code controlling its operation. By reducing the speed, a more controlled
and gradual motion was achieved, allowing the seeds to be placed precisely in the soil.
c) Testing and Calibration: After modifying the code, several tests were conducted to
ensure that the servo motor now operated at an appropriate speed. Calibration was
carried out to determine the optimal speed setting for the task, taking into consideration
d) Validation of Adjustments: The adjusted speed setting was validated through practical
tests in a controlled environment. This involved planting various seeds to assess the
accuracy of seed placement and ensure that the issue had been resolved.
By addressing the servo motor speed issue and optimizing its operation, the desired
precision in seed planting was achieved. This adjustment was pivotal in ensuring that the
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farming robot could fulfill its intended function effectively. The table 4.1 shows the number
4.5 RESULTS
information. These messages appear in the Serial Monitor as the code runs, offering insights
into the program's behavior, and the Arduino IDE's Serial Monitor serves as a valuable tool
for monitoring and debugging the code's execution. It provides real-time feedback on the
status and behavior of the project, which helps to confirm that the code is working as
intended and facilitating troubleshooting if any issues arise. As the commands are sent from
the mobile phone, the received command messages appear in the Serial Monitor. Command
acknowledgments was observed in the Arduino's Serial Monitor. This feedback helped verify
The BT module starts blinking red light the moment it is powered at the interval of
0.5 s. It then blinks twice every second with the interval of 5 s the moment it’s connected to a
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4.5.3 Result from Construction
The goal of this project is to construct a robot capable of planting, basic movement
and control using an Arduino Uno, L298N motor driver, servo motor and DC motors with the
4.6 DISCUSSIONS
The project encountered significant obstacles primarily due to the utilization of undersized
servo motors, inaccuracies in the design calculations, and communication problems with the
Arduino system. These setbacks collectively impeded the project's functionality as intended.
protocols to guarantee the success of the project. Engaging in collaborations with experts or
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CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 RECOMMENDATION
autonomous agricultural robots for navigation in diverse terrains and precision planting
systems. Additionally, studies on precision agriculture technologies and their impact on crop
development and productivity could provide valuable insights for enhancing planting
precision and fostering consistent crop growth. Research on robotic systems for labor
labor requirements and operational costs for farmers, thereby improving economic
systems for diverse crop types and soil conditions could provide guidance on designing a
5.2 CONCLUSSION
Upon achieving the objectives of designing a robotic platform capable of navigating diverse
agricultural terrains for accurate seed spacing and planting, enhancing planting precision to
foster consistent crop development, reducing labor requirements and operational costs for
types and soil conditions, significant advancements in agricultural technology and practices
can be realized. The culmination of these objectives signifies a transformative shift towards
44
cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, such as autonomous robotic systems,
precision planting techniques, and resource optimization strategies, farmers can optimize
their productivity, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. This holistic approach
not only benefits individual farmers but also contributes to the global agricultural sector’s
resilience and capacity to meet the growing demands for food production in a sustainable
manner.
Areas for further work after achieving the stated objectives include:
terrain navigation could enhance the efficiency and adaptability of the robotic
platform.
such as LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging, along with satellite data analysis, could
provide valuable insights for optimizing planting precision, resource utilization, and
sustainability practices.
could ensure continuous operation and minimize downtime, further reducing labor
45
Collaborative Robotics and Swarm Intelligence: Exploring the use of collaborative robots and
swarm intelligence techniques could enhance the scalability and adaptability of agricultural
operations, allowing for coordinated efforts in diverse terrains and crop types.
46
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