Design and Development of a Multipurpose Agri-Bot

Abstract

In the agricultural field, understanding the yield of crops after harvesting is crucial. One of the primary factors contributing to low crop yields is the inefficiency of planting and seeding methods. Insufficiently efficient practices during these processes can hinder optimal crop growth and development, resulting in lower overall yields. Therefore, improving the efficiency of planting and seeding techniques is essential for maximizing crop productivity and achieving higher yields in agriculture. The purpose of this project is to first reconstruct the Agribot with precision, adhering to calculated measurements. We manufactured and optimized various components, including retaining clips, nuts, axles, and other essential elements, ensuring their optimal functionality and performance. Then we aimed to enhance the capabilities of the Agribot by designing and manufacturing 3 extension beams to increase the bot’s stability. Additionally, a holder for the drill was designed and fabricated, incorporating a motor and an auger drill obtained after careful design and simulation, this drill ordinarily incorporates a pivoting helical screw edge called a 'flighting' to travel about as a screw transport to eliminate the penetrated-out material. The turn of the sharp edge makes the material move out of the opening being bored. An extension rod was developed and manufactured using a milling machine to connect the drill to its motor. The holder was then installed with the Drill module. Furthermore, optimization of the seeder module was conducted, followed by the installation of both the seeder and drill modules onto the Agribot. The project also involved the manufacture of holders for the electronics, which were then installed onto the Agribot. Extensive testing was performed on the motor drivers, including the CYTRON MD and ESCON 70/10. The CYTRON MD motor driver offers highcurrent driving capabilities and precise speed control, making it suitable for robust motor control applications the other hand, the ESCON 70/10 motor driver provides advanced control features such as closed-loop speed control and can bus communication, making it ideal for precise and dynamic motor control. Based on the testing results, the appropriate motor drivers were selected and integrated into the Agribot system. This included the use of the BTS 7960 motor driver, v

Arduino Uno microcontrollers, and the HC05 BT module for communication. The BTS 7960 motor driver offers efficient and reliable driving capabilities for the various motors used in the Agribot. The Arduino Uno microcontrollers provided a flexible and programmable platform for controlling the motor drivers and other electronic components. The HC05 BT module facilitated wireless communication between the Agribot and the control application. The complete wiring of the Lenoir actuators, four tire motors, drill motor, drill module motor, and seeder motor, along with their respective motor drivers and batteries, was carried out using Proteus simulation software and implemented on Agribot. An application was developed using MIT App Inventor to control the Agribot and enable it to move in all directions while performing drilling and seeding operations. The application communicated with the Arduino board, providing control and monitoring functionalities for the Agribot project. Successfully demonstrated the design, manufacturing, integration, and control of various modules on the Agribot, expanding its capabilities in terms of drilling and seeding operations. The developed system, utilizing motor drivers with advanced features, holds significant potential for agricultural applications, promoting efficiency and precision in farming practices.