Enhancing a flexible robotic spraying platform for distant plant inspection via high-quality thermal imagery data

Abstract

The recent developments in electronics have made available a variety of systems at very appealing quality, cost and size levels. These conditions are not left unexploited by modern agriculture that seeks to tackle the increased global food demand and the degradation of available resources. Indeed, the precision agriculture sector is flourishing assisted by outstanding innovations, like the UAVs, that can carry a plethora of sensors. It must be noted though that, despite the progress being achieved, several high-quality measurements still demand expensive, often pre-existing but heavy instruments, and meticulous time-consuming operations. The latter requirements are not always in-line with the flight duration and cargo weight limitations of a typical UAV. This gap is apparent when scientists have to apply precise thermal imagery methods to support actions like accurate plant inspection or early disease detection. In order to provide a satisfactory solution, an experimental electric robotic platform, mainly destined for spraying operations, was enhanced so as to improve its functions and to host a high-quality thermal/optical camera. This platform has been equipped with a set of complementary electronic systems so as to provide fluent and robust semi-autonomous remote monitoring operation. The overall layout is lightweight, eliminating soil compaction, reducing vibration and thermal footprint, guarantying almost non-invasive operation and image capturing at very low noise levels. The whole approach is targeting to combine innovative but easy-to-find assistive components of affordable cost in local markets, emphasizing the challenges towards a really functioning solution accompanied by detailed performance data. The overall study is targeting the rapidly growing robotic vehicles market. The proposed platform is following the modern sustainability objectives as it is fully electric and can be assisted by solar panels, for increased autonomy. Finally, insight is given for future improvements and exploitation.