Designed with innovation in mind, our Automated Seed Dispenser streamlines the planting process with unparalleled ease. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your green journey, this intuitive device simplifies every step, from seed selection to distribution, ensuring optimal growth and maximum yield. Featuring advanced technology, the Automated Seed Dispenser offers customizable settings to accommodate a wide range of seed types and planting requirements. Watch as the dispenser flawlessly distributes seeds with pinpoint accuracy, saving you time and minimising waste. The Automated Seed Dispenser addresses the common challenges and inefficiencies associated with traditional manual seed sowing methods in gardening and farming. By automating the seed distribution process, this product streamlines planting operations, saving users valuable time and effort. It ensures precise seed placement, promoting even spacing and optimal planting density for healthier plant growth and higher yields. Additionally, the dispenser reduces seed wastage by accurately measuring and dispensing only the required amount of seeds, thus promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Overall, the Automated Seed Dispenser revolutionises the way seeds are planted, making gardening and farming more efficient, accessible, and rewarding.
CROP CARE
UN SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Empowered and Driven:
Delivering Solutions for Global Issues
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The robot’s precision planting feature promotes efficient use of resources, aligning with this goal’s target of achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Goal 13: Climate Action: By operating on solar power, the robot reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to the urgent actions needed to combat climate change and its impacts.
Goal 15: Life on Land: The robot’s ability to adapt to different terrains and avoid obstacles can potentially minimize disruption to ecosystems, contributing to the protection, restoration, and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
DESIGN STORY
THE PROCESS
PROTOTYPE DESIGN
“In the development of our robot, we employed a suite of technologies and tools that were integral to the planning and prototyping stages. For the design and planning, (CAD) software was utilised to create detailed models of the robot. This allowed for precise visualisation and modification before physical construction. The programming of the robot’s functions was accomplished using the Arduino IDE, which provided user-friendly platform for coding in C++.
• Ultrasonic Sensor Module: This module helps the robot detect obstacles in its path. Using ultrasonic waves, it can determine the distance to an object and aid the robot in navigating around it, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operation.
• Soil Moisture Sensor: The soil moisture sensor is an integral part of the robot’s environmental monitoring system. It measures the moisture level of the soil, providing data that helps determine the optimal timing and location for seed dispensing.
• DC motor: Programs the functionality of the seed dispenser, allowing for controlled seed dispersal, ensuring accurate and efficient planting.
• Servo motor: Utilised to create indents in the soil, enabling the robot to prepare the ground for seed placement. By precisely controlling the movement of the servo motor, the robot can create uniform indentations, optimising seed placement.
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Stage
PLEDGE
Impact on the market
``With the current population of 8 billion people farmers are having to use poor environmental practices and lower the quality of their yield to meet the rising demand for produce. To cope with this farmers have resorted to using poor environmental practices which in turn reduces the quality of their yield. Unfortunately, these practices are having a negative impact on the environment such as the contamination of local water, fertilisers often used by farmers contain a chemical that seeps itself into local water poisoning the local aquatic species and ecosystem. CropCare utilises its sensors and assesses the data collected to provide insightful information to farmers to locate potential issues within the field – the farmer can then develop an action plan to address the issues. As well as that CropCare operates on the field at a faster rate than a person could while consuming less energy.
In regards to the market there are multiple Autonomous robots out there but nothing compares to the muti-functionality of CropCare. While most robots are proficient at performing a single task, CropCare sets itself apart as it addresses multiple agriculture challenges and promotes innovative thinking from farmers by providing them with useful insights on their yield.
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RESULTS
FINAL PRODUCT
“The journey to create our 4-wheeled robot was marked by three distinct prototype stages, each critical to the evolution of the final product. The initial stage focused on addressing the labour-intensive nature of agriculture and the growing scarcity of farm labour. Through the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, we meticulously crafted detailed 3D models, which were instrumental in visualising and optimising the robot’s design for maximum functionality and durability. This phase was not just about conceptualization but also about selecting the most robust hardware components to ensure the robot’s reliability across diverse agricultural landscapes.
In the second stage, our attention turned to bringing the robot to life. Programming became the core activity, with the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) serving as our primary tool for coding. We wrote and uploaded instructions to the robot’s microcontrollers, laying the groundwork for its autonomous navigation and precision seeding. To guarantee the electronic circuits operated flawlessly, we employed simulation tools for virtual testing, allowing us to pre-emptively address any technical issues. This iterative process of testing and refinement was pivotal, leading to a prototype capable of autonomously raking soil and dispensing seeds, adaptable to various terrains and crops.
The final stage of development was a testament to our commitment to sustainable and efficient farming practices. We refined our prototype, focusing on enhancing its autonomous capabilities and ensuring seamless operation in both large-scale farming and personal garden settings. The result was a robot that not only performed its intended tasks with precision but also represented a significant leap towards the future of agriculture-a future where technology alleviates labour shortages and promotes eco-friendly farming methods. This stage solidified our robot’s position as a versatile and indispensable tool in the modern agricultural landscape
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Results 1
Results 2