Author(s) :

Ahmad, K., Abdullahi, Z. M..

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The research is on design of a remote controlled Precision Fertilizer-Application Mobile Robot. The choice of this area is facilitated by the fact that agriculture is one of the aspects that are necessary for life on the planet earth. Most of our local farmers depend on the labour intensive approach to farming, this work is therefore meant to provide effective farming machine for the local farmers. The general design of the robot is divided into three parts: the design of the physical mechanical framework, the design of the wireless remote control subsystem of the Fertilebot, practical development of the designed robot and conducting practical environmental tests to model and validate its behaviour. This paper (part one) presents design of Fertilebot’s mechanical system. The selection of Fertilebot’s dimensions, details on type of movements in the operation, the selection of central drive motor, the steering control motor and determination of Battery size are shown. The gearbox design, design for torque conversion are shown. The rear shaft bearings design and Fertilebot’s frame design are described. The detailed design of bearings in front wheels and design of the holder of fertilizer application mechanism are described. Finally, detailed engineering drawings are produced. The major obtained results from the design include the following. Central drive motor Torque is found to be 11.90Nm, Central drive motor Power calculated is 623.08W (1 horse power, 24V is used), Steering control motor Torque calculated is 1.31Nm and power of the steering control motor is obtained as 23.58W (45W, 24V is used). Calculated fatigue strength is 384.9MPa (which is within safe range of 317.5MPa – 490MPa) and the designed speed of the shaft is 50rpm (critical speed is 926rpm).

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