In order to successfully conduct agricultural work and obtain a competitive harvest, it is mandatory to carry out spraying operations of crops that require highly qualified personnel, expensive equipment and suitable weather conditions. The use of tractors for spraying fields is the most common solution available at the moment, has disadvantages: high cost, risk of damage to the crop by "hitting", "hooking" or otherwise; environmental damage; due to exhaust gases, the demolition of the solution increases with increasing speed. Using a device designed specifically for spraying equipment is an ideal solution. The purpose of the article is to develop a working model of an automated sprayer for processing agricultural crops. The methods used are: technical justification of a controlled device for processing agricultural crops. Calculation of functional capabilities, algorithms of operation of the proposed automated device: selection of the type of sprayer, engine, chassis, controller, battery, as well as justification of the possibilities of using alternative energy sources (wind energy, solar energy); development of a 3D model of an automation device for anti-weed processing of agricultural crops, printing of parts, assembly of mechanical and electronic parts. Making a prototype using 3D printing; development of the wiring diagram of electronics, software (firmware of the microcontroller; application that controls the settings), testing of the prototype, assembly of the current model; rationale for the optimal use of Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards in this device in a pair: Raspberry Pi will allow you to control processes on the Arduino and easily interact with the Internet when the Arduino itself will perform simple operations such as interacting with electronics and reading sensor readings. The manufactured operating model showed compliance with the goals, a high degree of controllability, environmental friendliness, reduction of energy consumed, labor resources and can be used to scale this device. The developed model of the automation device for anti-weed treatment of agricultural crops can be used not only in agricultural pollination, but also as a mechanism for studying soil parameters: humidity, mineralogical composition and chemical content in the ground, using electronic sensors, as well as an automated mobile platform for any purpose requiring accurate navigation through the territory.
Read full abstract