Design of an Autonomous Field Robot for Differentiated Application of Agrochemical Agents

Abstract

The introduction of robotic devices into agricultural production processes makes it possible to increase the efficiency of work and the quality of the products and to ensure a new level of environmental safety. The need to develop this device is due to the economic inexpediency of using foreign analogues due to the low level of maintainability for domestic production, high maintenance costs, a narrow list of operations, and the lack of adaptation systems for a wide range of crops. (Research Purpose) The research purpose is in developing an autonomous robotic device for differentiated application of agrochemical agents in order to minimize their consumption, increase economic efficiency and environmental safety. (Materials and methods) The article presents the analyse of existing studies on monitoring of agricultural crops and fertilization and the requirements for the design of an autonomous robotic installation being created. There were conducted laboratory tests of a field robot model. (Results and discussion) The article describes a design of an autonomous field robot for differentiated application of agrochemicals designed for farms engaged in the crop sector. This device will allow performing a wide range of work, ranging from plant condition diagnostics to yield forecasting, reducing the proportion of human labour costs, improving environmental cleanliness and economic efficiency. It has been taken into account the features of the operation of the robotic vehicle in the field, the possibility of quick replacement of batteries, autonomy. During the design, the scope of robot application was expanded by installing additional actuators without replacing the control unit of the working body. (Conclusions) The system of guidance and differentiated application of agrochemical agents is applicable in the field.