Design of an Autonomous Rover Using Rocker Bogie Mechanism for Agriculture Application

Abstract

Agriculture forms the backbone of India's economy, making it essential to adopt modern techniques to enhance productivity and economic growth. Using robotics in agriculture is increasingly popular for improving crop yields and efficiency. This project focuses on developing an autonomous rover using a rocker-bogie mechanism with advanced features such as a pesticide sprayer, temperature and humidity sensors, and a camera for live monitoring. The rover is controlled via a mobile application using Arduino and Bluetooth technology. The rocker-bogie mechanism, integrated with necessary sensors, allows the rover to navigate uneven terrain easily. A vital feature of this project is the implementation of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for plant disease detection, capable of identifying early blight, late blight, and healthy conditions with reasonable accuracy. This ensures timely and accurate detection of plant diseases, facilitating prompt intervention and management. Additionally, the rover includes a sprayer for applying pesticides precisely, reducing the risk of overuse and minimizing environmental impact. The attached temperature and humidity sensors provide real-time data on environmental conditions, aiding in better decision-making for crop management. The live monitoring camera offers continuous field observation, enhancing surveillance and security. The system is operated through a user-friendly mobile application connected via Bluetooth to an Arduino-based control unit. This integration of modern technologies optimizes agricultural practices and contributes to sustainable farming by improving efficiency and reducing labour costs. The development of this autonomous rover represents a significant step towards modernizing agriculture, combining robotics, sensor technology, and machine learning to support farmers in achieving higher productivity and sustainability.