Autonomous Drone Swarm Laser Pest Control for Mixed Crops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pest control methods in agriculture often require human intervention and rely on chemical pesticides, which are not environmentally friendly and can harm non-infested areas, and are not suitable for mixed crop systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a swarm of small, autonomous drones equipped with sensors and laser devices for precise pest control, capable of detecting and treating infestations without chemicals, working in mixed crop systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical pesticides are used for pest control, then pest infestations are eliminated, but environmental harm increases and non-infested areas are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the agricultural area into individual plant-level targets, with each drone detecting and treating specific infested plants separately. This segmentation allows precise application of treatment only where needed, avoiding broad chemical spraying that harms non-infested areas and the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces chemical pesticide application with a physical laser-based treatment method. The laser device on each drone delivers targeted energy to infested plants, eliminating pests through thermal or photobiological effects without introducing chemical substances that could harm the environment.
2Area of stationary object
If chemical pesticides are applied broadly, then pest control coverage is increased, but selectivity decreases and non-infested plants are harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using sensors on each drone to identify infested plants before treatment. This advance identification ensures that subsequent laser treatment is applied only to plants with pest infestations, maintaining high selectivity while achieving comprehensive coverage of the agricultural area through coordinated drone operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system treats each plant as an independent target rather than applying uniform treatment across the entire field. Each drone independently detects and treats individual infested plants, enabling precise selective treatment that spares non-infested plants while maintaining broad area coverage through multiple drones operating simultaneously.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous drone swarms are deployed, then human intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each drone in the swarm is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple functions: navigation, pest detection using sensors, decision-making about infestation, and laser treatment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each task, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high automation across all operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone swarm operates with autonomous self-service capabilities, where each drone independently navigates, detects infestations, decides on treatment necessity, and executes laser treatment without human intervention. The drones self-coordinate within the swarm, managing their own tasks and interactions, which reduces operational complexity despite the high level of automation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If physical laser methods are used instead of chemicals, then environmental friendliness improves, but new technology complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex chemical delivery and distribution mechanisms with a relatively simpler laser-based physical treatment system. The laser device delivers targeted energy directly to infested plants, eliminating the need for chemical storage, mixing, and spraying infrastructure, thereby reducing environmental harm while managing technological complexity through focused energy application.
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
Enables precise, chemical-free pest control that targets only infested areas, promoting sustainable agriculture by reducing environmental impact and allowing for diverse crop systems.
Implementation Method 1
each equipped with a sensor for detecting pest infestations and a laser device suitable for pest control
Implementation Method 2
each equipped with a sensor for detecting pest infestations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling pests on plants located on an agricultural field, comprising a swarm of drones (1) which are designed to autonomously fly past plants and comprising a controller for controlling the drones (1). The controller and the drones (1) are equipped with communication devices for a mutual exchange of data. The drones (1) are equipped with a sensor (125) for detecting a pest infestation on a plant and with a laser device (127) which is suitable for controlling pests, and the drones are designed to control detected pest infestations in a controlled manner using the laser device (127).