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Actuators
Special Issues
Design and Control of Agricultural Robotics
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Design and Control of Agricultural Robotics

A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuators for Robotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 2281

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Mehrdad R. Kermani
*
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
Interests: physical human–robot interactions; human-safe robotics; agricultural robotics; compliant actuations; magneto-rheological fluid devices
* Ph.D., P.Eng

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural robotics has emerged as a critical field to address the growing challenges of sustainable food production, labor shortages, and higher-quality produce. The integration of robotics and automation technologies in agriculture has already revolutionized farming practices in many areas and holds the potential to have a far more significant impact. This Special Issue of Actuators aims to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, and practitioners to share their latest advancements and insights in the field of agricultural robotics.

Scope

We invite researchers from academia and industry to contribute original research articles, reviews, and innovative solutions related to the “Design and Control of Agricultural Robotics”. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Mechatronic systems design for agricultural robots;
  2. Robotic solutions for specific agricultural tasks (e.g., planting, harvesting, weeding);
  3. Human–robot interaction in agricultural settings;
  4. Advanced vision systems for crop monitoring and harvesting;
  5. Autonomous navigation and path planning in agricultural environments;
  6. Sensing technologies for crop health assessment;
  7. Machine learning and AI algorithms for agricultural robotics;
  8. Case studies and field trials of agricultural robots.

Guest Editor’s Note

As the Guest Editor of this Special Issue, I have had the privilege of working on several cutting-edge research projects in the field of agricultural robotics. My research journey has been intertwined with the evolution of robotic technologies, particularly in the areas of human–robot interactions, compliant actuation for manufacturing, and agricultural robotics.

I have been deeply involved in the mushroom industry, gaining first-hand experience in the development of the first robotic harvesting system. This endeavor has resulted in a successful harvesting technology that benefits mushroom growers globally. Currently, I am engaged in the greenhouse industry, collaborating with propagation facilities for the development of novel robotic solutions for handling young plants. These innovations are designed to streamline operations and promote sustainable growth in this sector.

I am excited to invite researchers from around the world to contribute their insights and advancements in the field of agricultural robotics. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of innovation, addressing the pressing challenges in food security and sustainable growth in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof. Dr. Mehrdad R. Kermani
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Actuators is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agricultural robotics
  • automation technologies
  • sustainable food production
  • mechatronic and vision systems in agriculture
  • autonomous harvesting
  • sensing technologies
  • crop health assessment
  • precision farming
  • human–robot interaction
  • field trials
  • ethics

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 13890 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Point Recognition for Seedlings Using Kernel Density Estimators and Pyramid Histogram of Oriented Gradients
by Moteaal Asadi Shirzi and Mehrdad R. Kermani
Actuators 2024, 13(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13030081 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 902
Abstract
This paper introduces a new real-time method based on a combination of kernel density estimators and pyramid histogram of oriented gradients for identifying a point of interest along the stem of seedlings suitable for stem–stake coupling, also known as the ‘clipping point’. The [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a new real-time method based on a combination of kernel density estimators and pyramid histogram of oriented gradients for identifying a point of interest along the stem of seedlings suitable for stem–stake coupling, also known as the ‘clipping point’. The recognition of a clipping point is a required step for automating the stem–stake coupling task, also known as the clipping task, using the robotic system under development. At present, the completion of this task depends on the expertise of skilled individuals that perform manual clipping. The robotic stem–stake coupling system is designed to emulate human perception (in vision and cognition) for identifying the clipping points and to replicate human motor skills (in dexterity of manipulation) for attaching the clip to the stem at the identified clipping point. The system is expected to clip various types of vegetables, namely peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Our proposed methodology will serve as a framework for automatic analysis and the understanding of the images of seedlings for identifying a suitable clipping point. The proposed algorithm is evaluated using real-world image data from propagation facilities and greenhouses, and the results are verified by expert farmers indicating satisfactory performance. The precise outcomes obtained through this identification method facilitate the execution of other autonomous functions essential in precision agriculture and horticulture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Control of Agricultural Robotics)
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19 pages, 4435 KiB  
Article
Optimization Design and Experiment of High-Speed Drag-Reducing Trencher Based on Conservation Tillage
by Weipeng Zhang, Suchun Liu, Yuxi Ji, Shengbo Gao, Bo Zhao, Liming Zhou, Ping Xie, Xin Jin, Zhaomei Qiu and Yanwu Ma
Actuators 2024, 13(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13010016 - 31 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1153
Abstract
In the realm of high-speed precision broadcasting, the existing seeder opener proves inadequate for the speed of the seeding operation. We focus on the duckbill opener and employ the quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination test design method to optimize the structural parameters of [...] Read more.
In the realm of high-speed precision broadcasting, the existing seeder opener proves inadequate for the speed of the seeding operation. We focus on the duckbill opener and employ the quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination test design method to optimize the structural parameters of the opener. Throughout the experiment, the primary performance metrics encompassed the opener’s working resistance and the side dumping distance. The selected experimental factors comprised the penetration angle, the angle of soil entry gap, the shovel body width, and the shovel length. The optimal arrangement of structural parameters has been determined: a penetration angle, a soil entry gap angle, a shovel body width of 21 mm, and a shovel length of 142 mm. These parameters contribute to increased velocity, reduced operational resistance, and minimal soil disturbance. Under this combination, the relative deviations between the recorded measurements and the theoretical outcomes for working resistance and the side dumping distance stand at 4.24% and 1.06%, respectively; these confirm the credibility of the optimization results. We performed adaptability testing and conducted a comparative analysis under various operational conditions to assess the innovative opener’s ability to reduce force, minimize soil disruption, and maintain depth stability. The findings are as follows: At a depth of 5 cm and velocities ranging from 6 km/h to 8 km/h, an average working resistance reduction of 19.73%, a 5.64% decrease in the side dumping distance, and an average depth stability of 89.5% were observed. When operated at a speed of 7 km/h with a depth ranging from 3 cm to 5 cm, an average reduction of 19.66% in operational resistance, a 2.59% decrease in the side dumping distance, and an average depth stability of 91.1% were recorded. These results illustrate the innovative opener’s capacity to significantly reduce working resistance and side dumping distance while satisfying the depth stability requisites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Control of Agricultural Robotics)
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