Revolutionizing areca nut harvesting: electric-powered robotic solution for sustainable agriculture

Abstract The agricultural industry has made significant advancements in transforming various sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, medical robotics, and agricultural technology. A notable advancement in agriculture is the deployment of robots for harvesting, particularly in the form of agricultural robots. This research focuses specifically on the harvesting and spraying of areca nuts. Many rural farmers lack access to the technological innovations available on more modernized farms, forcing them to rely on outdated methods that are inefficient and that poses safety risks, thus necessitating skilled yet expensive human labor. This study presents an innovative design and development of an electric-powered robotic harvester for areca nuts, aimed at tasks such as plucking and pesticide application. The proposed solution offers farmer-friendly option compared to traditional market offerings. Currently, Agrimate, the market leader in areca nut harvesting, presents a harvester that is significantly heavier, weighing 27 kg, whereas our harvester weighs only 12 kg and is operable by a single user, thus providing a more economical solution. Field testing demonstrated the robot’s ability to ascend at 0.5 m s −1 while drawing only 13.4 A at 12.3 V DC, enabling 3-4 trees to be harvested on a single charge. Our battery-operated device minimizes environmental emissions and enables precise speed regulation with movement around trees. The adaptive drive system adjusts to variable trunk sizes, ensuring optimal traction and efficient navigation. Additionally, an integrated sprayer and cutter mounted on a movable top assembly, eliminating the need for separate harvesting and spraying equipment. The design prioritizes safety, reducing potential failures during testing and protecting against any damage to tree trunks.