Jun Yamashita

Traceability based on multi-operation robot; information from spraying, harvesting and grading operation robot

In this paper, a multi-operation robot to work in a strawberry field was designed and a traceability system based on information from the robot was explained. The multi-operation robot consisted of sections of a spraying robot, a harvesting robot and a grading robot. These robot sections recorded information on products as well as conducted precise operations. This information can be used for precision farming and traceability system opened to consumers.

Effect of topdressing on individual leaf photosynthesis at different position in direct-sown rice with non-woven fabric mulch system

Direct sowing with non-woven fabric mulch is the new organic rice cultivation system. We studied the effect of topdressing on individual leaf photosynthesis at different position and grain yield in rice plants cultivated by this system. Leaf photosynthetic rate at the different leaf position per plant (PN-LP) of the third and fourth to lower leaves was higher when the topdressing amount was increased. Without topdressing or in no-fertilizers plots, the PN-LP values of lower leaves were very low. The leaf photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (PN-LA) decreased gradually as the leaf position became lower. Again, the PN-LA values of the top-dressed plots at the lower leaves were higher than that of plots without topdressing or without fertilizers. The lower leaves maintained a higher PN because of a higher rate of nitrogen accumulation due to topdressing. The higher rate of photosynthesis in these leaves resulted in better root activity, which contributed to a better ripening percentage and ultimately higher rice grain yield.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELECTRIC DRIVEN AUTOMATIC GUIDED VEHICLE FOR USE IN GREENHOUSES AND ITS TRAVELLING PERFORMANCE

Abstract We designed and manufactured the prototype of microcomputer installed railless type unmanded vehicle that travels along ridges furrows and in between water culture bed rows in greenhouses, for the purpose of labor saving in hard transport work. To prevent the vehicle from running on the ridges, the vehicle are equipped with front axle supported by a couple of ball joints, spin turn mechanisum, which allows turning with minimum space, and microcomputer control unit for autonomous traveling. It is a four-wheel vehicle driven independently by 12 V, 150 W DC geared motors, and is capable of traveling at 40 cm/s speed with a maximum of 80 kg carring capacity. The route and direction of movement of the vehicle is controlled by optical sensors mounted on the body of the vehicle, and signs placed at desired locations in the greenhouse. Bed rows traveling vehicle is equipped with 4 wheel reverse phase steering mechanism which measure the distance between vehicle and bed wall face, and straighten itself by two ultrasonic wave sensors attached at the side of vehicle. The results of traveling test showed that continuous five hours operation was possible with standard load. The practical application of the prototype vehicle is now envisioned.

Study on the Development of the Electric Tractor: Specifications and Traveling and Tilling Performance of a Prototype Electric Tractor

Abstract To reduce the environmental impacts of agricultural production, an existing 10 kW-class internal combustion engine tractor was remodeled as an electric tractor with an AD motor. Remodeling the engine tractor to an electric tractor increased its overall weight. However, it had little damaging effect on the balance of the body. By using electric-only agricultural machinery, the energy consumption needed for traveling and tillage in the field can be reduced by approximately 70%. Moreover, the electric tractor could operate continuously for one hour over a work area of approximately 1300 m 2 on a single charged battery. From the results of the CO 2 emissions estimated on the basis of the above result, it reduced by approximately 70% rather than the engine tractor.