Integration of Payload Sensors to Enhance UAV-Based Spraying

Integration of Payload Sensors to Enhance UAV-Based Spraying

This work focuses on the use of load sensors to help with spraying tasks using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The study details the construction of a prototype for load measurement to validate the proof of concept. To simulate the application of agricultural pesticides, the UAV follows a predefine...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Drones (Basel) Vol. 8; no. 9; p. 490
Main Authors: Barcelos, Celso O., Fagundes-Júnior, Leonardo A., Mendes, André Luis C., Gandolfo, Daniel C., Brandão, Alexandre S.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-09-2024
Subjects:
Aerial refueling
Agricultural management
Agriculture
Analysis
Crop diseases
Crops
Drone aircraft
Drones
Efficiency
Flight
Flight control systems
Image enhancement
Image processing
In-flight monitoring
Indoor environments
load transportation
Monitors
path following
payload measurement
Payloads
Pesticides
Real time
Remote sensing
Robust control
Sensors
Spraying
Spraying and dusting in agriculture
Storage tanks
Technology application
UAV
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Brazil
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Summary:This work focuses on the use of load sensors to help with spraying tasks using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The study details the construction of a prototype for load measurement to validate the proof of concept. To simulate the application of agricultural pesticides, the UAV follows a predefined route and an image processing system detects the presence of diseased plants. After detection, the UAV pauses its route momentarily and activates the spraying device. The payload sensor monitors the fertilizer application process, which determines whether the amount of pesticide has been fully applied. If the storage tank is empty or the remaining quantity is insufficient for another operation, the system will command the UAV to return to the base station for refueling. Experimental validations were carried out in an indoor controlled environment to verify the proposal and the functionality of the in-flight payload monitoring system. Additionally, the UAV’s flight controller demonstrated robust performance, maintaining stability despite the challenges posed by liquid-load oscillations and varying payloads during the spraying process. In summary, our main contribution is a real-time payload monitoring system that monitors weight during flight to avoid over- or under-spraying. In addition, this system supports automatic refueling, detecting low levels of pesticides and directing the UAV to return to base when necessary.
ISSN:2504-446X
2504-446X
DOI:10.3390/drones8090490