Development of a Weeding Robot with Tubular Linear Electric Motors

Abstract

The use of chemical methods of weed control is an effective means of weed control. However, the use of large amounts of herbicides leads to environmental pollution, contaminates food, and adversely affects the health of people working with chemical herbicides. The safest method is to mechanically remove weeds by pulling the rooted weeds out of the soil or cutting and driving the weeds under the soil. Robots use pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical systems to control weed cutters. Electrical systems are more efficient than other systems. It is proposed to use a tubular linear electric motor to drive the weed remover. An experimental sample of a tubular linear electric motor has been manufactured. His experimental studies showed that at a current of 8 A, the mechanical force from the movement of the movable rod is 500 N, and this value is sufficient for an actuator for weed control. Based on the results of experimental studies, a scheme of a weeding robot with two tubular linear electric motors has been developed to drive the weed control mechanism in the horizontal and vertical planes.