"Cropmaster" - Real-Time Coordination of Multirobot Systems for Autonomous Crop Harvesting: Design and Implementation

Abstract

The CropMaster is an autonomous rover system designed to enhance Scotch Bonnet production by improving disease management, crop sorting, autonomous navigation, and real-time environmental monitoring. Equipped with sensors to measure sunlight, humidity, pH, NPK content, and soil moisture, the rover securely transmits analyzed data to a web-based dashboard. LIDAR technology enables efficient autonomous navigation, allowing the rover to move around fields and avoid obstacles. The MQTT protocol facilitates communication between multiple rovers, preventing duplicate measurements and ensuring data is sent to the dashboard for comprehensive data collection across large areas. TensorFlow's machine learning models allow the rover to accurately assess crop health and detect early-stage diseases, followed by automated pesticide and fertilizer application through a spraying system. To maintain reliability, the rover's operations, including data transfer and task execution, are continuously monitored for Quality of Service (QoS). All collected data is stored in the cloud for long-term access. Built with a lightweight aluminum and plastic chassis and robotic arms, the rover is designed for adaptability and operational efficiency, aiming to improve crop management and increase yields across extensive agricultural fields.