Soil sampling automation using mobile robotic platform
¹Tallinn University of Technology, School of Engineering: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ehitajate tee 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia
²Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Chair of Bioengineering Technologies, Fr.R.Kreutzwaldi 56, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
³University of Tartu, Institute of Computer Science, J.Liivi 2, EE50409 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: eero.valjaots@gmail.com
Abstract:
Land based drone technology has considerable potential for usage in different areas of agriculture. Here a novel robotic soil sampling device is being introduced. Unmanned mobile technology implementation for soil sampling automation is significantly increasing the efficiency of the process. This automated and remotely controlled technology is enabling more frequent sample collection than traditional human operated manual methods. In this publication universal mobile robotic platform is adapted and modified to collect and store soil samples from fields and measure soil parameters simultaneously. The platform navigates and operates autonomously with dedicated software and remote server connection. Mechanical design of the soil sampling device and control software is introduced and discussed.
Key words:
autonomous navigation, soil sampling, unmanned ground vehicle