The main outcome of GreenPatrol is the implementation of a complete robotic solution prototype that implements the concept of Integrated Pest Management in crops, with the ability to navigate inside greenhouses while performing early pest detection and treatment in an autonomous way.
GreenPatrol specifications were determined based on interviews to potential users, stakeholders and analysis of greenhouses. The system architecture was designed from a functional and modular point of view. Tests were defined in order to verify the fulfilment of each requirement at subsystem level, and for the whole system. Safety mechanisms were also considered both at hardware and software levels.
The GreenPatrol robotic prototype is the actual hardware-software system, including all the developments made within the GreenPatrol project. The GreenPatrol prototype is consisting of the following hardware components:
- Global Localization Unit
- Robotic platform
- Robotic arm manipulator
- Sensors (encoders, inertial sensors, 3D Lasers, cameras and lighting)
- Actuators (sprayer)
- Processing unit and communications
Apart from the GreenPatrol prototype itself, the project has also delivered a Global Localisation prototype Unit, GNSS-based and Galileo-enabled, aided by inertial sensors and odometry.
The levels of accuracy of the absolute localization solution combined with the relative localization one inside of the greenhouse, together with the autonomous navigation capabilities, allow the robot to accurately navigate and reach the target positions. This feature makes it possible for the system to carry out the inspection and treatment missions according to the IPM strategy within the required periodicity, guaranteeing that the GreenPatrol solution is a valid and efficient alternative to the traditional pest inspection and control management.
GreenPatrol concept allows achieving a remarkable reduction of production losses and chemicals usage, as well as an increase in quality and competitiveness, leading to more sustainable farming and enhanced food safety and soil and water protection.
The project included a validation stage where the prototype was tested both in simulated and real environment reaching a TRL7. GreenPatrol will be commercially exploited under a business plan that shows profits starting in year 3.
The pest detection and identification images database is a public available result of the project. By filling in a form on GreenPatrol´s website, the access to the database and labels containing images of Tuta absoluta, Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporarium on leaves is granted.
Dissemination and communication activities included website updates, scientific papers and web press releases, appearance in radio and TV, and other channels such as Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter, participation in events, workshops and congresses.
Three components of the GreenPatrol can be exploited separately: the navigation solution, the IPM robotic strategy and the pests and diseases identification system. Patents are started for the pest detection and identification module in combination with the manipulation capabilities, and for the IPM strategy.
