Agrobot Lala
Autonomous robotic system for real-time, in-field soil sampling and nitrate analysis
Description
Agrobot Lala is an autonomous robotic system – an unmanned ground vehicle that collects and analyses in-field soil samples for nitrates. The robotic system analyses each soil sample individually in real-time, spending 30 minutes per sample, and the soil sample is then georeferenced, creating a map for precision base fertilizing. The system combines real-time analyses with AI and cloud-based solutions to generate multilayer maps indicating the locations where fertilization is necessary. Among the advantages, this robotic system reduces and optimizes the number and locations from which samples need to be taken. The user accesses an in-house-developed smartphone application that allows them to oversee and manage the robot’s tasks, to change the position of the robot, and to add and delete sampling points. The collected measurement data are then sent to the Cloud for further analysis and for the formation of prescription maps detailing variable fertilizer application rates. Agrobot Lala is lightweight, contributing to less soil compaction. The robot was field-tested on Serbia’s first digital farm in 2018.
Technology
Agrobot Lala, developed by the BioSense Institute, collects and analyses soil in real time. The robotic system comprises several different modules, including the commercial robotic app, an anchoring module, a sampling module, a sample preparation module, a sample analysis module and a communication module. Making use of satellite images and artificial intelligence, the system divides the target field into representative zones for sampling. The sampling is monitored and can be overridden by the user by inputting GPS coordinates through the mobile application. The collected data is uploaded to the Cloud for further analysis, and for the creation of maps of variable fertilization rates.
Target
The main users of this autonomous robotic system are agricultural farmers, agricultural researchers and engineers, who can use the system to quickly and accurately analyse the nitrate content of soil samples and create prescription maps for variable rates of fertilization. The cloud-based app and smartphone app allow users to easily monitor, change and add sampling points to be followed by the robotic system.
Business model
The robot has yet to be commercialized and so no price information is available.
Impact
The use of Agrobot Lala for soil sampling can increase the accuracy and precision of fertilizer applications, and reduce fertilizer waste and environmental pollution. The real-time soil analysis and georeferencing capabilities of the system allow farmers to take immediate action and adjust their fertilizer application rates. The in-house designed smartphone application also makes it easier for farmers to monitor and manage the robot's tasks, contributing to improved crop yields and increased profits. Finally, the lightweight robot leads to less soil compaction.
Partners
University of Wageningen, the Netherlands
Four Betters
Better production
