Automatic Weeding Robot

Abstract

This project focuses on the design and development of a solar-powered grass-cutting machine capable of performing autonomous cutting while ensuring safety and efficiency. The system is powered by a 12V rechargeable battery that is charged through a solar panel, eliminating the need for an external power supply. The stored energy drives both the grass-cutting motor and the vehicle’s motion motors. A microcontroller unit controls the entire system, managing blade rotation, vehicle movement, and obstacle detection. An ultrasonic sensor is integrated to identify obstacles such as humans, animals, or objects in the path of the machine. Upon detecting an obstacle, the microcontroller halts the blade operation, activates a warning signal, and guides the vehicle towards an alternative route. Once the way is clear, the machine resumes forward motion and continues grass cutting. This design ensures both efficiency and user safety. The project demonstrates the advantages of renewable energy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental pollution. Unlike traditional grass cutters, which are noisy, fuel-dependent, and require frequent maintenance, the proposed machine is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. With minimal manual intervention, it is suitable for lawns, gardens, and small agricultural fields. The integration of solar

Introduction

Grass-cutting machines are widely used in agriculture, parks, lawns, and gardens. Traditional machines powered by manual effort, electricity, or fossil fuels are:

• Labor-intensive,

• Costly,

• Environmentally harmful.

To address these challenges, a solar-powered autonomous grass cutter has been developed. It leverages renewable energy and automation to provide a sustainable, efficient, and safe alternative to conventional systems.

2. System Overview

The solar-powered grass cutter includes:

• DC motor: Drives the cutting blade.

• Solar panel: Converts sunlight into electricity to charge the battery.

• Rechargeable battery: Powers the system.

• Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino): Acts as the brain of the robot.

• Ultrasonic sensors: Detect obstacles and ensure safe navigation.

• Motor drivers & wheels: Enable autonomous movement.

• Remote control module: Allows manual operation if needed.

The system is designed to:

• Cut grass efficiently with high-speed blades,

• Avoid collisions using obstacle detection,

• Operate in remote/rural areas with limited electricity,

• Reduce operator fatigue and increase safety.

3. Benefits of Solar Power

• Reduces energy costs,

• Minimizes environmental impact (zero emissions),

• Offers quiet operation and low maintenance,

• Useful in sunlight-abundant regions,

• Supports sustainable agricultural practices.

4. Literature Survey Highlights

Research evolution:

• Early developments include the 1869 lawn mower patent.

• Studies explored hydrogen-powered and solar-powered mowers.

• Automation and control systems have been increasingly integrated.

• Key studies have focused on efficiency, energy use, sensor integration, and terrain handling.

• Notable enhancements involve IoT integration, four-wheel drive designs, and steep slope handling.

5. Functional Modules

The system comprises several coordinated modules:

• Power Supply Module: DC battery charged via solar panel.

• Control Module: Arduino microcontroller handles decision-making.

• Sensing Module: Ultrasonic/IR sensors detect obstacles.

• Cutting Module: DC motor powers rotary blade for grass trimming.

• Navigation Module: Motors and wheels enable movement.

• Communication Module (optional): Wireless control, monitoring, and data logging.

These modules together ensure autonomous operation with minimal human intervention.

6. Block Diagram Summary

The system is centered on an Arduino Uno, powered by a 12V battery. It controls:

• Four wheel motors (M1–M4) via a motor driver,

• A blade motor for grass cutting,

• Ultrasonic sensors for obstacle avoidance,

• An optional remote control module for manual override.

The system activates the blade only when no obstacles are detected, enhancing safety and efficiency.

7. Equipment Used

• Arduino UNO: Microcontroller for control logic and interfacing.

• DC Motor: Converts electrical energy into mechanical torque for blade rotation.

• 12V DC Battery: Stores and supplies power to the system.

• Ultrasonic Sensor Module: Measures distance to objects via echo timing.

• Blade Mechanism: High-speed rotary blade cuts grass through kinetic shearing action.

Conclusion

From the review of existing robotic lawn mower systems, a suitable design layout was prepared, and the necessary components were chosen according to performance requirements. Based on insights from various research studies, modifications were introduced to improve efficiency. A prototype was then developed using a metal sheet chassis, equipped with ultrasonic and infrared sensors for obstacle detection. The successful demonstration of these sensors confirmed the feasibility of the design. With the growing demand for automated solutions in gardening and agriculture, such a system can save considerable human effort and time. The proposed grass-cutting bot proves to be both cost-effective and convenient, making it more of a necessity than a luxury. Looking ahead, the system offers wide potential for advancement. Future enhancements may include the integration of solar power for energy sustainability, the use of AI and computer vision for advanced navigation, IoT-based monitoring and remote operation, and the adoption of lightweight mechanical designs for better mobility. By implementing these improvements, the system can evolve into a smart, autonomous agricultural assistant capable of performing multiple field operations with greater precision and reliability.

References

[1] Y. Li, X. Wang, and Z. Chen, “Design and Control of a Four-Wheel Drive Lawn Mower Robot for Steep Slopes,” IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 145612–145622, 2020. [2] E. G. Passmore, Improvement in Lawns Motor, U.S. Patent RE8560, Feb. 23, 1869. [3] T. Bainganel, S. Nagrale, and S. Gumagaokar, “Design and Development of Solar Grass Cutter,” International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science (IRJMETS), vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 253–258, Jun. 2022. [4] G. Langade, S. Ramteke, and V. M. Dhuma, “Review on Faculty Automated Solar Grass Cutter,” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), vol. 5, no. 2, Feb. 2018. [5] “Hydrogen Powered Lawn Mower,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 18, pp. 345–348, 1993. [6] R. Boylestad and L. Nashelsky, Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA: Prentice Hall, 1996. [7] B. Conaster, D. Nastasi, and K. Phipps, “Electrical Engineering Applications,” 2002. [8] G. A. Conway and K. I. Jones, “Harmonic Pollution and Recent Developments in Remedies,” pp. 4/1–4/5, 2002. [9] P. Horowitz, The Art of Electronics, 2nd ed. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2004. [10] Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), “ITIC Curve,” 2000. [Online]. Available: http://www.itic.org/technical/iticurv.pdf [11] P. Ransome-Wallis, The History of Railway Engineering. London, UK: Hutchinson, 1959, p. 173. [12] B. L. Theraja and A. K. Theraja, Electrical Technology. New Delhi, India: Ram Nagar Publications, 2002. [13] P. P. Ulhe, M. D. Inwate, F. D. Wankhede, and K. S. Dhakle, “Upgradation of Solar Grass Cutting Machine,” International Journal for Innovative Research in Science and Technology (IJIRST), vol. 2, pp. 1–5, 2016. [14] S. Mohyuddin, D. K. Digesh, T. K. Vivek, and N. Cutter, “Design and Development of Solar Grass Cutter,” International Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering (IJSTE), vol. 2, pp. 1–4, 2016. [15] A. Roy and S. Ghosh, “Review on Autonomous Agricultural Robots,” International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (IJAREEIE), vol. 6, no. 7, pp. 5823–5829, Jul. 2017.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Savkar Kranti R., Deshmukh Apurv V., Ms. Kshatriya Trisha K., Shirode Kashmira R., Dr. V. A. Wankhede, Mr. N. R. Thakre, Ms. S. M. Bachhav. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.