Short Explanation
Agribot is a smart farming Locomotive designed to help farmers improve crop yield. It moves through fields, measuring soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, providing farmers with essential data for crop selection and growth guidance. By analyzing field readings, Agribot assists farmers in making informed decisions to optimize their agricultural practices and achieve successful harvests.
The need for a solution
The agricultural sector has been a cornerstone of India's economy, contributing significantly to its GDP over the decades. In 1950, it accounted for a substantial 51.9 percent of the nation's GDP, reflecting its paramount importance. However, by 2015-16, this contribution had reduced to 15.4 percent, indicating a notable shift in economic dynamics.
During the 1950s, a considerable portion of the population relied on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood, with approximately 60 percent of the populace engaged in this sector. Despite the enduring commitment of a significant portion of our populace to agriculture, the sector's profitability has dwindled over time. This decline underscores the formidable challenges faced by agriculturists throughout the agricultural cycle.
Making the prototype
Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, I began a journey to find new ways to make farming better. I looked at how other areas are changing with new ideas and wanted to bring those changes to farming. I believed that using new technologies could make farming more productive and sustainable.
To understand farmers' problems better, I asked them about their experiences through a detailed survey. Their answers helped me see the big issues that make farming harder and less profitable. With this information, I'm ready to create solutions that fit the different problems farmers face, aiming to make farming stronger and more successful in our country.
Documentary Video
Please watch this video for more information on AgriBot 1.0
Technologies Used
Mobile App Interface
The mobile app was crafted using MIT App Inventor, a user-friendly platform that simplifies the app development process. Leveraging this tool allowed for the creation of a functional and intuitive interface, despite its basic design.
Insights
The current prototype of AgriBot offers valuable advantages for agricultural innovation, providing agriculturists with awareness of emerging technologies and personalized insights into the agricultural cycle. However, limitations exist, as the prototype solely relies on soil moisture, temperature, and humidity readings, overlooking other crucial factors in agricultural decision-making. Furthermore, the prototype's sensors lack reliability due to uncertainties regarding accuracy and capacity.
The model's practicality is also restricted, as it's not designed for field deployment and the accompanying mobile app is rudimentary. Moving forward, the next prototype iteration aims to address these shortcomings by incorporating additional sensors such as pH probes and infrared sensors, alongside enhancing the Agribot model's robustness.
Improvements in the mobile app's interface and functionality, including transitioning development to Android Studio, are essential steps towards scaling the project for broader agricultural applications. Continuous feedback and engagement with stakeholders remain integral to refining the Agribot concept into a viable solution for real-world agricultural challenges.
Events
- Engiconnect 2019, National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Mangaluru
- Pre Unique 2019, St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru
- Synopsis Submission to IRIS National Fair 2020 and Intel ISEF, USA
Media Coverage
Photo corner
