NAVIGATION, VALIDATION AND EVALUATION OF FOUR-WHEELED ROBOT FOR GREENHOUSE SPRAYING
پیمایش ، اعتبارسنجی و ارزیابی ربات چهار چرخ برای پاشش گلخانه ای
DOI : https://doi.org/10.35633/inmateh-63-17
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Abstract
There are some inevitable concerns in the process of substituting the human workforce by automated machines and robots. The most significant benefits of robots are including higher accuracy, timeliness, lower costs and balanced procedures. In Iran, Backpack sprayers perform the traditional spraying process in greenhouses, but robotic technology can provide conditions for better spraying of products. This study investigates the potential of using a four-wheeled robot for the greenhouse, evaluates it as a sprayer robot and compares its performance with the back sprayer. The infrared sensors were used to navigate the robot so that it followed a line on the ground along the product rows. The ultrasonic sensor was used to distinguish the beginning of each row for automatic spraying. Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of the speed (levels of 7, 14 and 21 m/min) on the spraying quality coefficient (QC) and also studied solution consumption, spray height, spraying time, and spray loss in a greenhouse with bell pepper plants. The water sensitive papers were used to evaluate spraying quality, spray height and spray loss. The results showed that the sprayer robot had a deviation of 1.5 cm in the 4 meters and the robot's guidance was done well by the infrared sensor. It was capable for spraying plants on both sides of the greenhouse simultaneously with ultrasonic sensor. Optimal speed was 14 m/min that QC was obtained 2.56. The sprayer robot had better spray quality and lower solution consumption (30% in 10 m) and spraying time (three times) than the back sprayer. The spray loss of the sprayer robot was less than that of the back sprayer and had less soil contamination. Although more study is needed, the results were promising and showed some benefits that can be achieved with robotic automation.
Abstract in Persian