Over the past year, we have been presented with a unique set of challenges. Living, and working, from home has been a challenge for us all, but it has most effectively stunted research projects. However, this was the perfect opportunity to test a machine meant for such a scenario. Farmbot gives us a sneak peek into the future of farming; fully automated and sustainable. These are imperative steps towards increasing the availability of fresh produce, cutting the effects of climate change, plastic packaging, pesticide use, and carbon emissions that continue to pollute the earth and the food we eat. Even though setting up FarmBot itself proved an arduous task, the final result provides a sustainable farming method allowing for the automated data collection and maintenance of plants.

FarmBot is an autonomous open-source computer numerical control (CNC) farming robot that prioritizes sustainability and optimizes modern farming techniques. Using computer numerical control, FarmBot can accurately and repeatedly conduct experiments with no human input and therefore, very little error. We can write sequences, plan regimens and events to collect data 24/7 in addition to monitoring the system remotely. This allows us to plan as many plants, crops, inputs, and operations as needed. Reducing cost and increasing sustainable farming is a priority of FarmBot.

The FarmBot Genesis features a gantry mounted on tracks attached to the sides of a raised garden bed. The tracks create a great level of precision because the garden bed is represented as a grid in which plant locations and tools can have specific coordinates, therefore allowing endless customization of your garden. The gantry bridges both sides of the track and uses a belt and pulley drive system and V-wheels to move along the X-axis (the tracks) and the Y-axis (the gantry). The cross-slide that controls the Y-axis also utilizes a leadscrew to move the Z-axis extrusion, allowing for up and down movement as well.

Movement is powered by four NEMA 17 stepper motors including rotary encoders to monitor relative motion. The rotary encoders are monitored by a dedicated processor in the custom Farmduino electronics board, which utilizes a Raspberry Pi 3 as the “brain”. The Farmduino v1.5 system has several useful features including built-in stall detection for the motors. Stainless steel and aluminum hardware makes the machine resistant to corrosion, making this system safe for long-term use outdoors.

The FarmBot Genesis model also includes several tools made of UV-resistant ABS plastic that are interchanged using the Universal Tool Mount (UTM) on the Z-axis extrusion. The UTM utilizes 12 electrical connections, three liquid/gas lines, and magnetic coupling to mount and change tools with ease, allowing for automation at nearly every step of the planting and growing process. Sowing seeds without any human intervention is possible with the vacuum-powered seed injector tool, which is compatible with three different-sized needles to accommodate seeds of varying sizes. Once planting has been completed, regimens can be set up to water plants on a schedule using the watering nozzle. The attachment is coupled with a solenoid valve to control the flow of water, ensuring that each plant receives as much moisture as they need. The soil sensor tool takes the automation of watering a step further by detecting the moisture of the soil and using the collected data to modify the amount of water dispensed as needed. A customizable weeding tool uses spikes to push young weeds into the soil before they become an issue. FarmBot uses a built-in waterproof camera to detect weeds and take photos of plants to track growth. All of these tools and features create a completely customizable farming experience without the worry of human error.

FarmBot operates using a 100% open-source operating system and web app. In the web app, we can easily control, configure, create customizable sequences and routines all with a drag-and-drop farm designer and block code format. From here we are able to receive all information regarding the positioning, tools, and plants within the garden bed. FarmBot’s Raspberry Pi uses FarmBot OS to communicate and stay synchronized with the web app allowing it to download and execute scheduled events, be controlled in real-time, and upload logs and sensor data.

We faced many ups and downs during the hardware and software phases of FarmBot. From vague reference docs, manufacturing defects, hardware failures, and network security problems, this was an in-depth and at times very frustrating project. However, we didn’t want an easy project. The challenges we faced when building FarmBot, as annoying it was to debug at the time, helped us gain a great understanding of how this machine works. Through all the blood, sweat, and tears (literally), we learned more from this project than we ever could have imagined. From woodworking to circuity to programming and botany, we tackled a wide range of issues. But that’s what made this project so worth it. Many times we had to resort to out-of-the-box thinking to resolve issues with some of the limited components we had. Working as a team also allowed us to bounce ideas off one another while each bringing our own unique talents to the team. Nicolas has a background in Computer Science which helped with programming FarmBot as well as resolving software and networking issues that occurred. Hannah’s major is Biological Sciences and she has experience with gardening, which helped in the plant science aspect of the project on top of overall planning and construction. As an electrical engineering major, Nicholas helped with the building process, wiring and his input was critical in resolving issues of such an advanced electromechanical system. While we recognize FarmBot’s shortcomings, it was an incredible learning experience and an imperative building block towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Moving forward, we plan on modifying FarmBot to include a webcam, rain barrel, and solar panels. A webcam will give us a live feed of the FarmBot to allow live remote monitoring as well as enable us to take photos for timelapse photography. Rain barrels can be used to collect rainwater which can be recycled and act as FarmBots water source, further increasing its sustainability. Solar panels will provide a dedicated, off-grid solar energy system helping further reduce the cost and carbon emissions associated with running FarmBot. We also currently have an MIS capstone team developing ways to pull real-time data for future analysis and dataset usage in other academic settings.

Be on the lookout for future FarmBot updates and be free to reach out to opiminnovate@uconn.edu for more information.

By: Nicholas Satta, Hannah Meikle, Nicolas Michel