Robotics for Spatially and Temporally Unstructured Agricultural Environments

Abstract

The development of an automated field scout (AFS) would make it possible to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of pests and diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and water stress in a field. The AFS would help the farmer assess management strategies after they are implemented and help determine best management practices. This work describes a collaborative project among the Georgia Tech Research Institute, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Georgia in developing and fielding an AFS system composed of four main components: an autonomous ground vehicle, a vehicle-mounted 4-dimensional (4D) mapping system, a vehicle-mounted robot arm used for leaf and soil sampling, and a farmer/consultant who will interact with the AFS system to meet the needs of each particular farm. The project focuses on peanuts, though the developed AFS could be adapted for any crop that requires intensive management.