Feature
Cameron Schwartzberg demonstrates how the robot operates via a computer, Wi-Fi and with the use of an Xbox controller.
and Cameron Schwartzberg, to focus on refining the design, building a working model and addressing technical challenges, ultimately contributing to the success of the project.
Together, Shuman and Schwartzberg used their individual strengths, working diligently to build the robot prototype. Shuman focused on the robot’ s physical and electrical systems, while Schwartzberg handled the programming aspect of the project.
How The Robot Was Made
The robot’ s design was influenced by the typical spacing between rows of soybean plants, information the team gathered from soybean professionals.
“ Since many farmers plant crops with 15-inch row spacing, the robot needed to fit within the narrow gap to be effective in real-world conditions,” Lu said.“ This design ensures it can operate without damaging crops while still performing its inspection tasks.”
The robot was built with a compact, 10-inch-wide design to fit between 15-inch rows of soybean plants. It uses a combination of cameras and image processing systems to monitor and track the plants’ condition.
“ The camera mast is on a motor,” Shuman explained.“ In the future, when the robot is autonomous, if the controller wants to take pictures closer to the ground, or higher up, they can automate the process by raising and lowering those cameras to reliably and repeatedly take the pictures they need.”
The prototype is controlled remotely with a handheld controller and Wi-Fi for real-time data collection. The students also used a combination of mechanical components, sensors and power management systems to ensure the robot could operate efficiently in the field.
To program the robot, Schwartzberg used a combination of operating systems, nodes and a small micro-controller, just to name a few. As complicated as that all seems, operating the robot is actually quite simple.
“ It’ s controlled remotely with an Xbox controller,” Schwartzberg explained.“ The computer broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal. The user opens up a website on the computer and connects the Xbox controller to the computer. It drives just like a video game.”
Shuman said the robot is so simple and intuitive, just about anyone can operate it.
“ You can literally hand somebody the controller and, for the most part, they just know how to use it.”
Challenges and Solutions
Throughout the design and building process, several challenges arose, but the team quickly overcame them.
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