Proposed Timeline
Proposal
Design
Proposed Budget
Progress Log
Week 8-9
We decided that we need to analyze the robot chassis. We have come to the conclusion that we cannot find a big enough robot chassis for our needs. Since Thomas has access to a 3D printer we have gone that route. We are taking inspiration from VegoilGuy.
​
His website can be found here.
​
His design is the following:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
We are planning on making something along the lines of this. For scale those are two car batteries. We do not necessarily need it this big but how ever we want to have enough room because we are going to be having two lead screws. One will be holding the 18V drill and the other will be holding the ph Sensor which is then sent to the bread board to read the output readings.
​
A lead screw assembly was found this week.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
We used found a pack of 5, 5V regulators that can be used to drop 18V to 5V or 3.3 or 12V when needed else where on the robot. We have also called for a servo motor, using a rack and pinion type system to open a trap door and let one specific seed out at a type.
​
We have decided on using a Ryobi Drill that Thomas owns. It is shown below , we will use the 18V battery for the whole robot.
​
Week 7
We ran into some other aspects as to how we can improve the functionality of the robot overall. Things that we have come up to including in the robot is a magnometer. This is just otherwise known as a compass. The reason we need this is because standalone GPS will not be sufficient enough. The following one should be suitable (compass). Below is the circuit:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
We also figured out the insertion and retraction of the auger bit and how that is going to work. We thought it would be beneficial to use a threaded rod system instead of a geared system or hydraulics.
​
While researching about this topic we found the following websites and thought it would be sufficient to use this process.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
So this is theoretically how the system would work. In our robot it would be standing up on the x axis. So it would look like the following. This is essientially how the system is going to raise and lower both the ph sensor along with the auger.
​
​
Week 6
The main focuses this week were the following:
-
Contact Dr. Javier Garces to run proposal idea by
-
Time and effort shouldn't be a daily table rather a weekly table
-
Determine how many seeds would be optimum to drop at one location.
-
Update Block diagram with parts and different modules and how they would fit together
-
Find / look for chassis on the internet, preferably pre-made
​
Meeting with Dr. Javier Garces:
Dr. Garces seemed to enjoy our presentation. He clarified the importance of pH when measuring soil, pointed us at other possible measurements we could take, and gave us several brands of sensors that are of quality. Dr. Garces told us that this project would have two market potentials, commercial farming, and reforestation initiatives. He further clarified how actual tree farming is done (size of land, methods of harvesting, tools used today, etc.). Recommended several local tree farms we could investigate and seek further information from. Finally, the biggest criticism was the name-- This robot does not garden (i.e. plant fruits and vegetables), it is used in re-forestry practices. We must re-brand.
​
Chassis Research:
DIY Smart RC Robot Tank Tracked Car Chassis Kit with Crawler ($85.69)
DIY A-19 Smart RC Robot Tracked Car Chassis Tank Kits For Raspberry Pi ($77.98)
RC Robot Car Metal Tracked Tank Chassis Metal Crawler Belt With DC 350 Motor ($192.81)
​
Determine how many seeds would be optimum to drop at one location:
Dr. Javier Garces, recommended that we only use one seed per hole. This way we would not have to come back and remove one sapling. Dr. Garces said that this would not be a wise decision as it would be considered "wasteful" to the nutrients in the soil. The two seeds would grow at the same rate but they would be fighting each other to grow.
​
ES Sensor Research:
Dr. Javier Garces also mentioned that we could potentially look into an EC sensor (electrical conductivity). This was described as a sensor that on the end of the tip has two electrodes, and to measure the EC they are introduced to a current and the difference between the current is the reading that the sensor displays.
​
PH Sensor Updated Research:
​Below we have found an updated pH sensor that we think would be beneficial for this project, due to it being a spear tip pH probe.
​
​
Week 5
Week 5 we were tasked with researching pH measurements and their necessity. Secondly, we were tasked with comparing our proposed baby car seat monitor. We were unable to figure out any difference in our approach to the baby car seat monitor. We decided to no longer pursue this proposal.
​
Below is all the research that we have complied when it comes to taking pH measurements.
​
Good pH information and pH for common trees :
​
Another describing how various ph effects different plants:
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2002/5-24-2002/soilph.html
Video talking about how to measure ph(step by step), distance, and dangers of bad ph:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=160&v=mZgxUqoJMcg&feature=emb_title
PH sensors and how they work :
https://www.e-tinkers.com/2019/11/measure-ph-with-a-low-cost-arduino-ph-sensor-board/
How to monitor your soil:
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/how-to-monitor-soil-ph-and-moisture-level
ph measurements in 100m field:
https://www.veristech.com/the-sensors/msp
​
Week 4
Week 4 we researched a fertilizer sensor and how it would be used. Leveling ground and burring holes. Clarify the project and how it would be done. Potentially look at new ideas.
​
Proposed new idea which was the baby car seat monitor. Was presented to professor, which he liked but was afraid that it was too similar to old project.
​
Week 3
Week was our second meeting, we were supposed to research more ideas and research about . Time and effort table, block diagrams , and new ideas.
​
Week 2
Week 2 we were still researching ideas. We proposed 3 ideas. The three ideas were : Automatic Gardening Robot, automated Lawnmower & the smart fridge.
​
​
Week 1
Dr. Ejaz and Professor Notash, held a zoom meeting where the teams were put together. And to start looking for ideas.