Development of an Autonomous Robotic System for Precision Agriculture: A Mechanical Engineering Approach

Abstract

This paper presents the development of an autonomous robotic system for precision agriculture, employing a mechanical engineering approach to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability. With the increasing need for optimized crop production and reduced labor costs, autonomous robots offer significant advantages. This study focuses on the design, development, and testing of a robotic system engineered to automate key agricultural tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. The system features a modular design, advanced actuators, and a sophisticated sensor suite integrated with a centralized control unit. Through comprehensive field tests and iterative improvements, the robotic system demonstrated high precision and efficiency, outperforming traditional methods in terms of task execution and resource utilization. Economic analysis indicates a favorable return on investment due to reduced labor costs and increased productivity, while environmental benefits include minimized chemical usage and reduced soil compaction. The paper concludes with discussions on potential improvements, future integrations with emerging technologies, and strategies for scaling up and adopting the system across diverse agricultural environments. This research contributes to advancing precision agriculture through innovative mechanical engineering solutions, offering a promising pathway for modernizing farming practices.