Autonomous Field Monitoring Drone for Targeted Crop Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and managing agricultural fields, such as tractor spraying, UAV scanning, and quad bike inspection, are inefficient, costly, and inaccurate, particularly in providing timely and actionable data for crop management.
Innovation Solution
A remote, autonomous device that moves between fixed locations to monitor and perform actions, equipped with mechanisms for launch, flight, and landing, using rotors, legs, and modular components for stability and action deployment, and integrates with satellite data for pathway determination and action execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a tractor is used to spray an entire field, then the field can be treated, but it is costly and limited to infrequent usage
Solution Approach 1:
The field is divided into multiple discrete locations or zones that can be independently monitored and treated. The autonomous device visits specific locations rather than treating the entire field uniformly, enabling selective and repeated interventions in problem areas without the need for full-field spraying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses autonomous devices that independently monitor field conditions, identify problems, and apply treatments without requiring manual intervention or full-field chemical applications. This enables frequent, on-demand treatment of specific locations rather than scheduled whole-field spraying.
2Area of stationary object
If a UAV is used to scan a field and provide a data-map, then coverage is achieved, but the data quality is low and provided too late to be actionable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to capture all field details in a single aerial pass, the system divides the field into multiple locations and uses autonomous devices to collect high-resolution data at each specific point during ground-level visits, accumulating detailed information over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring visits to identify problem areas before they require intervention, allowing early detection and timely action. The autonomous devices repeatedly visit locations to detect issues at an early stage rather than waiting for comprehensive but delayed aerial surveys.
3Measurement precision
If quad bike and plucking is used to check an area, then detailed inspection is possible, but it is very inefficient and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous devices independently perform detailed inspections and manual interventions such as plant removal at monitored locations without requiring human operators. This eliminates the laborious nature of manual inspection while maintaining the ability to perform detailed checks at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection task is divided into discrete location visits rather than continuous manual traversal. Each autonomous device focuses on specific predetermined locations, performing detailed inspections and actions at each point, which is more efficient than continuous manual inspection of entire areas.
4Area of stationary object
If crop dusting aerial application is used, then large areas can be treated, but it is expensive and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform aerial application over large areas, the system applies treatments locally at specific monitored locations based on actual detected conditions. Each location receives targeted treatment only when and where needed, improving accuracy while reducing overall chemical usage and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment process is segmented into discrete location-based applications rather than blanket aerial dusting. The autonomous devices deliver treatments precisely at predetermined locations, ensuring accurate application only where monitoring indicates it is necessary.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances data quality and accuracy, reduces costs and labor, and enables timely and precise monitoring and action in agricultural fields, improving crop management through efficient data collection and action deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The device may be provided with a spring loaded leg which is actuated for launch or take-off
Implementation Method 2
The device may be provided with a compressed gas mechanism which can be actuated for launch or take-off
Implementation Method 3
The device may be provided with a number of rotors to enable it to operate as a drone
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous remote device for deployment in an area, comprising: a mechanism for launching the device airborne from a first of a plurality of locations; a mechanism for navigating the device when airborne to a second of the plurality of locations; and a mechanism for landing the device at the second of the plurality of locations.