DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOTYPE OF A SOLAR POWERED PLOUGHING ROBOT

Ajit Salunke, Swapnil Ramani, Dhirendra Singh, Akash Yadav, Santosh Mishra

Abstract: This paper discusses the development of a prototype of Solar Powered Ploughing Robot. The device is an autonomous mobile robot powered by solar power. Solar energy is abundantly available for most parts of the year in the konkan belt with average time between sunrise and sunset at 6.5-8 hours per day. This device effectively utilizes the available solar energy for generation of power for ploughing small fields. The device reduces the dependency of farmers on diesel powered vehicles and animals. The human effort for the ploughing process is reduced. This method not only saves electricity but also avoids air pollution and the emissions of toxic gases into the atmosphere. It eliminates use of bulls and human labor. It also reduces the time taken to plough the fields. Motion control through Arduino ultrasonic sensors, moisture sensors and solar panel with 20 W capacity and DC motor for vehicle movement are the critical components of the device.

Keywords: Ploughing Robot, Ultrasonic Sensor, Sensors, Arduino Controller Board, Microcontroller.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0525034