An aerial phytobiopsy system: Design, evaluation, and lessons learned

Daniel Orol, Jnaneshwar Das, Lukas Vacek, Isabella Orr, Mathews Paret, Camillo J. Taylor, Vijay Kumar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Early plant disease detection and treatment could dramatically increase crop yield. However, even experts cannot visually distinguish various diseases with certainty, limiting image based diagnosis. In this paper, we present a novel small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) for phytobiopsy. This platform can remove a leaf section with visual symptoms and transport it to a lab for precise disease analysis. We present the design of a gripper and an arm mechanism, and we discuss best practices for using the system. Results are presented from extensive experimental evaluation of the gripper assembly and 21 indoor manual flight trials, demonstrating efficacy. Our sUAS utilizes its inherent mobility and range to solve a pressing agricultural problem, improving food production and disease detection capabilities. A short video of our system can be found at https://goo.gl/xomYUO.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2017 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ICUAS 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages188-195
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781509044948
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 25 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event2017 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ICUAS 2017 - Miami, United States
Duration: Jun 13 2017Jun 16 2017

Publication series

Name2017 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ICUAS 2017

Other

Other2017 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ICUAS 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMiami
Period6/13/176/16/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Optimization

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