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17 pages, 2677 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Utilization of Quasi-Zenith Satellite System for Navigation of a Robot Combine Harvester

by Kannapat Udompant, Ricardo Ospina, Yong-Joo Kim and Noboru Noguchi

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030483 - 5 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3005

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a robot combine harvester by comparing the Centimeter Level Augmentation Service (CLAS) and the Multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Advanced Demonstration tool for Orbit and Clock Analysis (MADOCA) from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a robot combine harvester by comparing the Centimeter Level Augmentation Service (CLAS) and the Multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Advanced Demonstration tool for Orbit and Clock Analysis (MADOCA) from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) by using the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning technique as a reference. The first section of this study evaluates the availability and the precision under static conditions by measuring the activation time, the reconnection time, and obtaining a Twice Distance Root Mean Square (2DRMS) of 0.04 m and 0.10 m, a Circular Error Probability (CEP) of 0.03 m and 0.08 m, and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.57 m and 0.54 m for the CLAS and MADOCA, respectively. The second section evaluates the accuracy under dynamic conditions by using a GNSS navigation-based combine harvester running in an experimental field. The results show that the RMSE of the lateral deviation is between 0.04 m and 0.69 m for MADOCA and between 0.03 m and 0.31 m for CLAS; which suggest that the CLAS positioning augmentation system can be utilized for the robot combine harvester if the user considers these accuracy and dynamic characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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24 pages, 2414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends on Advanced Information and Communication Technologies for Improving Agricultural Productivities: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Dagoberto Armenta-Medina, Tania A. Ramirez-delReal, Daniel Villanueva-Vásquez and Cristian Mejia-Aguirre

Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121989 - 18 Dec 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4536

Abstract

In this work, an exhaustive revision is given of the literature associated with advanced information and communication technologies in agriculture within a window of 25 years using bibliometric tools enabled to detect of the main actors, structure, and dynamics in the scientific papers. [...] Read more.

In this work, an exhaustive revision is given of the literature associated with advanced information and communication technologies in agriculture within a window of 25 years using bibliometric tools enabled to detect of the main actors, structure, and dynamics in the scientific papers. The main findings are a trend of growth in the dynamics of publications associated with advanced information and communication technologies in agriculture productivity. Another assertion is that countries, like the USA, China, and Brazil, stand out in many publications due to allocating more resources to research, development, and agricultural productivity. In addition, the collaboration networks between countries are frequently in regions with closer cultural and idiomatic ties; additionally, terms’ occurrence are obtained with Louvain algorithm predominating four clusters: precision agriculture, smart agriculture, remote sensing, and climate smart agriculture. Finally, the thematic-map characterization with Callon’s density and centrality is applied in three periods. The first period of thematic analysis shows a transition in detecting the variability of a nutrient, such as nitrogen, through the help of immature georeferenced techniques, towards greater remote sensing involvement. In the transition from the second to the third stage, the maturation of technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, wireless sensor networks, and the machine learning area, is observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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16 pages, 5728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Main Link Lengths of Transplanting Device of Semi-Automatic Vegetable Transplanter

by Seok-Joon Hwang, Jeong-Hyeon Park, Ju-Yeon Lee, Sung-Bo Shim and Ju-Seok Nam

Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1938; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121938 - 9 Dec 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4513

Abstract

In this study, the lengths of the main links of the transplanting device of a semi-automatic vegetable transplanter were optimized to reduce the weight at the same planting trajectory. The theoretical planting trajectory was obtained from the kinematic analysis for the link structure [...] Read more.

In this study, the lengths of the main links of the transplanting device of a semi-automatic vegetable transplanter were optimized to reduce the weight at the same planting trajectory. The theoretical planting trajectory was obtained from the kinematic analysis for the link structure of the transplanting device and verified through kinematic simulation using commercial software and actual measurement using high-speed camera. Then, the lengths of the main links that have a great influence on the planting trajectory were optimized to have a minimum total length at the same planting trajectory. A genetic algorithm was used as an optimization tool. As a result, with the optimal lengths of the main links, the same planting trajectory was maintained while reducing the total length by 18.32% compared to the conventional one. The transplanting device with the optimal main link lengths would have benefits in terms of agricultural economy by reducing manufacturing and fuel costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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20 pages, 4652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyses of Work Efficiency of a Strawberry-Harvesting Robot in an Automated Greenhouse

by Seungmin Woo, Daniel Dooyum Uyeh, Junhee Kim, Yeongsu Kim, Seokho Kang, Kyoung Chul Kim, Si Young Lee, Yushin Ha and Won Suk Lee

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111751 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4551

Abstract

Protected cultivation systems such as greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular globally and have been adopted because of unpredictable climatic conditions and their ability to easily control micro- and macroenvironments. However, limitations such as hazardous work environments and shortages in labor are major concerns [...] Read more.

Protected cultivation systems such as greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular globally and have been adopted because of unpredictable climatic conditions and their ability to easily control micro- and macroenvironments. However, limitations such as hazardous work environments and shortages in labor are major concerns for agricultural production using these structures. This has led to the development and adoption of robotic systems. For the efficient use of robots in protected cultivation systems, we formulate the work efficiency problem and model a three-dimensional standard strawberry greenhouse to analyze the effectiveness of a strawberry-harvesting robot compared to different levels of human workforce (experienced, average, and beginner). Simulations are conducted using Quest software to compare the efficiency of different scenarios of robotics to humans. Different methods of improvement from battery capacity and charge rate to harvesting speed are investigated and optimal conditions are recommended. The average hourly production of the robot is about five times lower than that of skilled workers. However, robots are more productive due to their ability to work around the clock. Comparative analyses show that a reduction in harvesting time per strawberry from 3 to 1 s would result in an increase in daily production from 347.93 to 1021.30 kg. This would lead to a five-fold increase in comparison to present daily production. A 10% improvement in battery charge time would result in the battery capacity gaining two extra hours from the current 10 h and would cut the current 2 h needed for charge to 1 h. This paper proposes an operation process and suggestions for changes needed for improving the work efficiency of robots in a greenhouse. This could be extended to other crops and greenhouses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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15 pages, 5900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crop Height Measurement System Based on 3D Image and Tilt Sensor Fusion

by Wan-Soo Kim, Dae-Hyun Lee, Yong-Joo Kim, Yeon-Soo Kim, Taehyeong Kim, Seong-Un Park, Sung-Soo Kim and Dong-Hyuck Hong

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111670 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2762

Abstract

Machine-vision-based crop detection is a central issue for digital farming, and crop height is an important factor that should be automatically measured in robot-based cultivations. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging cameras make it possible to measure actual crop height; however, camera tilt due to irregular [...] Read more.

Machine-vision-based crop detection is a central issue for digital farming, and crop height is an important factor that should be automatically measured in robot-based cultivations. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging cameras make it possible to measure actual crop height; however, camera tilt due to irregular ground conditions in farmland prevents accurate height measurements. In this study, stereo-vision-based crop height was measured with compensation for the camera tilt effect. For implementing the tilt of the camera installed on farm machines (e.g., tractors), we developed a posture tilt simulator for indoor testing that could implement the camera tilt by pitch and roll rotations. Stereo images were captured under various simulator tilt conditions, and crop height was measured by detecting the crop region in a disparity map, which was generated by matching stereo images. The measured height was compensated for by correcting the position of the region of interest (RoI) in the 3D image through coordinate transformation between camera coordinates and simulator coordinates. The tests were conducted by roll and pitch rotation around the simulator coordinates. The results showed that crop height could be measured using stereo vision, and that tilt compensation reduced the average error from 15.6 to 3.9 cm. Thus, the crop height measurement system proposed in this study, based on 3D imaging and a tilt sensor, can contribute to the automatic perception of agricultural robots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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24 pages, 9115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Power Transmission Efficiency Analysis of 42 kW Power Agricultural Tractor According to Tillage Depth during Moldboard Plowing

by Yeon-Soo Kim, Wan-Soo Kim, Md. Abu Ayub Siddique, Seung-Yun Baek, Seung-Min Baek, Su-Hwan Cheon, Sang-Dae Lee, Kyeong-Hwan Lee, Dong-Hyuck Hong, Seong-Un Park and Yong-Joo Kim

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091263 - 26 Aug 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7108

Abstract

In order to optimize tractor design and optimize efficiency during tillage operation, it is essential to verify the impact through field tests on factors affecting the tractor load. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of tillage depth on power [...] Read more.

In order to optimize tractor design and optimize efficiency during tillage operation, it is essential to verify the impact through field tests on factors affecting the tractor load. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of tillage depth on power transmission efficiency of 42 kW power agricultural tractor during moldboard plowing. A load measurement system and a tillage depth measurement system were configured for field tests. To analyze the effect of tillage depth on power transmission efficiency and fuel consumption, the data measured in the three-repeated field test were classified according to tillage depth. As the tillage depth increased from 11 cm at the top of the hardpan to 23 cm at the deepest, the required power of the engine increased by approximately 13% from 35.48 kW to 40.11 kW, and the power transmission efficiency also increased significantly from 66% to 95%. Among them, the power transmission efficiency of the rear axle was significantly increased from 38% to 59%, which was the most affected. As the tillage depth increased, the overall power requirement is greatly increased due to the resulting workload, but the fuel consumption and the specific fuel consumption are reduced because the engine speed of the tractor is reduced. As the tillage depth increased from 11 cm to 23 cm, the fuel consumption rate was rather reduced by 13.5% as the engine rotational speed decreased 11.3% due to the increase work load of tractor. In addition, the specific fuel consumption decreased from 302.44 g/kWh to 236.93 g/kWh, showing a fuel consumption saving of up to 21.7% during moldboard plow. In addition, as the tillage depth increased, the ratio of the value excluding the mechanical and hydraulic power requirements has significantly decreased from 34% to 5% as the power transmission efficiency increases. This study considers the soil properties according to the soil depth, as well as the power transmission efficiency and fuel consumption rate. The research results can provide useful information for research on power transmission efficiency and selection of an appropriate power source of agricultural tractor according to tillage depth during moldboard plowing and are expected to be used in various ways as basic studies of digital farming research in agricultural machinery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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15 pages, 1774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Spatiotemporal Invasive Risk by the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in South Korea

by Dae-hyeon Byeon, Jong-Ho Lee, Heung-Sik Lee, Youngjin Park, Sunghoon Jung and Wang-Hee Lee

Agronomy 2020, 10(6), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060875 - 19 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3567

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed the potential distribution of red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in response to climate change in South Korea using CLIMEX, a species distribution model. We further attempted to evaluate the risk of the distribution/invasion and [...] Read more.

In this study, we analyzed the potential distribution of red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in response to climate change in South Korea using CLIMEX, a species distribution model. We further attempted to evaluate the risk of the distribution/invasion and subsequent dispersion by considering climatic suitability, and functional characteristics of cities and covered cultivated areas. The climatic suitability has extended from the southern and coastal regions to inland regions due to climate change. The number of areas with EI (Ecoclimatic Index) values of more than 20 was 9 (12%) in the current climate; the value was assumed to increase to 23% (2040), 24% (2060), 42% (2080), and 62% (2100) from the South Korea coast to inland. We predicted that May to October would be the most active period in seven domestic high-habitation areas. We also analyzed the invasive risk of the red imported fire ant into covered domestic cultivation areas. Considering climatic suitability, we determined that Jeju, Pohang, Busan, Ulsan, Mokpo, and Gosan would be the most affected areas. This study can provide baseline data for the management of invasive species nationally and for regional control through predictions of the probability of settlement and direction of spread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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14 pages, 4160 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceTechnical Note

Application of Lateral Overturning and Backward Rollover Analysis in a Multi-Purpose Agricultural Machine Developed in South Korea

by Seok-Joon Hwang, Moon-Kyeong Jang and Ju-Seok Nam

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020297 - 6 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3730

Abstract

This study analyzed the lateral overturning and backward rollover characteristics of a multi-purpose agricultural machine recently developed in South Korea. Free body diagrams for theoretical analysis and a three-dimensional model for dynamic simulation were created by reflecting the actual dimensions and material properties [...] Read more.

This study analyzed the lateral overturning and backward rollover characteristics of a multi-purpose agricultural machine recently developed in South Korea. Free body diagrams for theoretical analysis and a three-dimensional model for dynamic simulation were created by reflecting the actual dimensions and material properties of the multi-purpose agricultural machine. The simulation model was verified using the minimum turning radius and angle of static falling down sidelong derived through the certified performance test. The lateral overturning and backward rollover characteristics of the multi-purpose agricultural machine were analyzed using a verified simulation model and theoretical equations derived through literature review. In the lateral overturning analysis, the critical traveling speed at which lateral overturning occurs was derived according to the inner steering angle of the front wheels under steady-state turning conditions. In the backward rollover analysis, the critical angular velocity and theoretical traveling speed of the main body at which backward rollover occurs were derived according to lifting angle of the front wheels. There was no significant difference between the theoretical analysis and simulation results at 5% significance level, and we derived the appropriate traveling speed conditions of the multi-purpose agricultural machine that do not cause lateral overturning and backward rollover. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation for Digital Farming)

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