Agribot-Model: Compact Solar Powered Sprayer Development

Abstract

Egyptian agriculture cannot face the modern challenges without introducing local technology to the industry. In this study, agrochemical sprayer robot model powered by photovoltaic solar energy rechargeable cells, was developed and evaluated as a step in this long path. The constructed robot model and its main components, operation software, tests, and final results are described in this work. It was constructed via simple and cost-effective manner. Controlling the robot was achieved through Arduino Bluetooth RC Car mobile application and Bluetooth module HC-06. Arduino C language sequential code was programmed on the microcontroller to allow full control in the robot movement and agrochemicals spray function. The battery was designed to be charged using solar panel. The results of the laboratory tests including: the remote controlling, the programming of the microcontroller unit, the consumed amount of energy by all electric components, the battery performance, the effective working time, and the spray function efficiency are presented. These data were comparable to the theoretical values described in the component's datasheets. This proves the reliability of the robot's design, which qualifies it to be used as is in a prototype production. It can undertake the task of autonomously spraying agrochemicals within greenhouses effectively and safely.