Automation and Robotics for Crisis Management of Agriculture in Developing Countries

Abstract

The book provides detailed information on the development of automation technologies in agriculture in a developing country perspective. A comprehensive review on automated weather stations, robotics and drones in agriculture will serve as a quick reference. The possibility of using open source micro controllers such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi are also briefly discussed. Practical experience on the design and fabrication of these components in Eritrea, a sub-Saharan African country is also shared in detail. One among the three developmental explorations was the design, fabrication, programing and evaluation of a sensor integrated, micro controller based, solar powered farm weather monitoring unit. Another investigation on the development of a rover type Agro-robot is narrated in detail giving the step by step procedure understandable to persons with a little bit of technical knowledge. The comprehensive account of methodologies for the crop monitoring drone will serve as a practical guide in utilizing the technology in low income countries. The book also provides information about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on agriculture. A brief prognosticated analysis on possibilities of using robotics and automation in post COVID-19 agriculture is also done. As automated systems in agriculture are going to be more crucial in the coming days, this book can serve as a guide for a beginner, reference for a researcher and knowledge bank for an academician.