Agar Robot Agrícola Autónomo by Vladimir Zagorac

Agar Robot Agrícola Autónomo by Vladimir Zagorac is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award de Bronce in Diseño de Equipos Agrícolas Competition Category.

BronceEquipos Agrícolas· 2024

Agar Robot Agrícola Autónomo

by Vladimir Zagorac

Client: Coming, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Niš, FPM Agromehanika

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Equipos Agrícolas Category

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The Design

About Agar Robot Agrícola Autónomo

Agar es una plataforma robótica autonivelante diseñada para la agricultura de precisión en terrenos irregulares. La plataforma puede manejarse por control remoto, programarse para seguir una ruta GPS predefinida o funcionar de forma autónoma mediante sensores de evasión de obstáculos. Los motores independientes alimentados por batería en cada rueda permiten girar sobre su propio eje. Las ruedas pueden reposicionarse para adaptarse a distintas distancias entre hileras de cultivo, y la plataforma se adapta a pendientes de hasta 30 grados. Los botones de parada de emergencia y los parachoques mecánicos refuerzan la seguridad del usuario. Las piezas de acero, acero inoxidable y aluminio están recubiertas con pintura en polvo.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

Agar Robot Agrícola Autónomo ha ganado el A' Design Award de Bronce, un reconocimiento sumamente prestigioso concedido a diseños sobresalientes que se distinguen por su creatividad, ingenio y astucia. Los ganadores de Bronce son artefactos ampliamente hábiles y sorprendentemente creativos que acreditan la vasta experiencia, imaginación e ingeniosidad de sus diseñadores. Se espera que Agar Robot Agrícola Autónomo sea un objeto muy apreciado, admirado y querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este diseño ganador del A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora las mejores prácticas del arte, la ciencia, el diseño y la tecnología, y es excelente por su atención al detalle. Agar Robot Agrícola Autónomo satisface espléndidamente las necesidades, toca los deseos, encanta los sentimientos y atrae la curiosidad.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The robot can be remotely controlled, programmed to move on a predefined GPS path, and autonomous using obstacle avoidance sensors. Independent battery powered motors on each wheel enable turning in place by reversing the left and right set of wheels. All visible electromechanical parts are protected by the robust constructions of movable and fixed frames. User safety is also ensured by emergency stop buttons in the corners of the vehicle and mechanical safety bumpers.
Dimensions & Packaging: Lenght: 179-222cm, Width: max. 147cm, Height: 137-178cm. Weight: 740kg
Tags: Robot, Autonomous, Universal, Dynamics, Strength, Perseverance
Production Technology: Laser cut, pressed and welded steel, Stainless steel and aluminum, powdercoated
Design Challenge: The form was developed over a year in iterations, respecting and emphasizing the multi-functionality of the adaptable platform. The creative process included elaboration of the main shell, the roof housing, and the mobile and stationary modular assemblies for multiple uses. The large number of visible components presented a challenge, overcome by using related angles. Directing details, balancing masses and proportions, and positioning of sensors, radar and lidar, was perfected in stages.
Research: The design project started in March 2023 using an existing construction of a working prototype, developed by Coming and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Nis. Special attention in the design was devoted to stability of the robot bearing an agricultural machine, since the platform adapts to terrain with slopes of up to 30 degrees in all directions. For this purpose, mounting weights were added to the final solution, considering that the weight of the robot should not have exceeded 750kg.
Inspiration: Agar is a universal selfleveling platform for precision agriculture, a tractor replacement, mobile on extremely uneven terrains and under heavy loads. The form was modeled following the latest design tendencies, with strict technical limitations, to match or exceed the standards set by leading companies in the Smart Farming industry. Aesthetics emphasize robustness, dynamics and strength, equally present at any working height of the vehicle that adapts to the terrain, type and height of crop.
Project Duration: The design project lasted for a year, and was implemented in Belgrade, Nis and Boljevac
Operation Flow: Wheel motors are protected within a movable leg frame. The main battery pack can be changed by removing a magnetic fascia mask. Additional top battery pack, robotic arm or solar panel can be placed using roof profiles on the main shell. The wheels can be repositioned to the inside, allowing use between crop rows of different distances. The beveled shell gives good clearance, while latest RGB LED signaling lights arranged in a 360 design inform the user on working status and illuminate the path.
Team Members: Vladimir Zagorac
Image Credits: Images: Vladimir Zagorac
Video Credits: Coming, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Nis