The electric mobile carrier platform for asparagus fields and on-site assessments
Journal
2023 ASABE Annual International Meeting
ISBN
9781713885887
Date Issued
2023-01-01
Author(s)
Chien, Chia Chun
Chueh, Cheng Yu
Liu, An Chi
Lee, Cheng Chun
Chen, Po Shao
Chang, Shan Cheng
Chang, Han Bin
Wang, Jen Cheng
Hsieh, Ming-Hsien
Peng, Jui Chu
Guo, Ming Chi
Abstract
Asparagus cultivation and harvesting are labor-intensive processes that are becoming increasingly challenging for farmers in Taiwan due to a labor shortage. In conjunction with a smart agriculture framework, an electric mobile carrier platform for asparagus is being developed. It automates the harvesting process, reduces labor requirements, and improves efficiency. As part of this project, rechargeable batteries will be used to replace heavy tractors and engines in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Three parts of the harvester are integrated, including the mobile carrier platform, the harvesting mechanism, and the edge computing visual image recognition system. The electric mobile carrier platform is equipped with motors on both sides that drive the platform directly to the asparagus furrow, as well as multiple cameras to capture asparagus images. Field tests have been conducted to determine the walking stability of the electric mobile carrier platform and optimal working conditions. According to the results, the mobile carrier platform successfully reaches the asparagus spears for precise grasping and harvesting, completing the overall automatic harvesting process. Furthermore, the best walking parameters were 250 rpm and driving through general fields (farmland, soil used for asparagus cultivation), resulting in better walking performance. A high level of precision and accuracy is achieved with this advanced technology, and an approximate 90% success rate is achieved in terms of harvesting. In this study, an innovative smart agriculture framework is presented as a means of improving current asparagus harvesting conditions, enabling automatic harvesting, reducing labor costs, and improving the efficiency of field harvesting.
Subjects
asparagus | automatic harvester | labor-saving | mechatronics | smart agriculture
SDGs
Type
conference paper