AGRONAUT
The AGRONAUT project will also find application outside agriculture. In ProLab of the Faculty of Engineering of CZU Prague, we are developing a multi-purpose working drone under the working name AGRONAUT. It is a working drone intended for local application of chemical protective substances in the system of precision agriculture. The UAV device is a response to modern trends in industry and meets the requirements of the "Industry 4.0" concept. The Agronaut is designed as a modular platform and carrier, which can be fitted with various measuring or working devices. Due to the fact that it is basically a cargo drone, it will also be possible to use this drone for the contactless distribution of, for example, medicines or protective equipment in areas with increased risk.
EVOLUTION
The first prototype was designed with CAD support and basic frame cuted on CNC laser from plywood. Further laminated and dyed. After testing of frame in the air was installed side containers and tilting spray bars.
MK II. VERSION
Agronaut MK II. is using completed electric drive system from MK I. EMU and GPS with (tested on standard GPS and Glonass). Powered by 2x6s LiPol battery 6000mAh. Flying time (empty) 30 min. Payload 10kg. Side containers 2x 5L. The concept works on the principle of precision agriculture and the application of a liquid chemical is around 5 - 7 minutes. Therefore, the battery capacity is more than sufficient. Main body was completed reworked. There is full carbon fibre body from negative mould. As new was added protective frame around propellers for safe operation. This frame is very compact and strong, without internal structure and with very large interior space.
This version uses modular conception. Full carbon body with removable protective frame is drone unit. Accessories is interchangeable according to the purpose. (Orange container). Our concept is very stable and strong with a very compact frame size. It can operate as a universal device for various work tasks. Typical work orientation :
- universal carrier
- orthophoto device
- first aid in difficult terrain
- logistics facilities
- working agricultural drone
- chemical applications
MK III Version „DistribuThor“
Last version brings some new aplications. At first is using hybrid power module with small combustion engine and generator for longer range and flying time. We are talking about 120 min flying time. Next new main body shape with stealth geometry to reduce radar reflection. Cargo area is just in centrum of gravity in the center of the drone. These design modifications meet the requirements for the use of drone in defense units. Version MK III (work name DistribuThor) responds to current trends in the military use of drones. This device can work like middle tactical drone for short mission with delivery of „special packages“. More information on personal request. Drive standard drone systems or due VR glasses.
- Single mode operation
- SWARM mode operation
- Influencer and followers mode
- Short mission – full electric
- Long mission – hybrid power module
FORESTHOR
In our project, we solve the use of autonomous and semi-autonomous facilities in the area of ??small and medium-sized farms. For the success of this mission, it is necessary that our developed and tested equipment has the following features:
- EV (electric drive system) as the basis of the drive (carbon footprint)
- Hybrid energy module (internal combustion) for emergencies (low battery)
- Types of machine control:
- own operator control
- semi autonomous control (permanent operator control - legislation)
- autonomous GPS control (forward mission planning using map data)
- Simple operation (implementation of GPS control used on larger agricultural machines - tractors, harvesters) For farmers known and proven environment.
- Simple construction and cheap purchase price, low operating costs.
- Application of the "island system" principle The device includes a mobile solar HUB with storage for recharging.
- Participation principle: air drone for mapping, data processing, ground drone performs the intervention according to the data of the air drone.
The aim of the implementation of the above features is to increase the interest of small and medium-sized farm operators in introducing this category of machinery into the normal operation of the farm. Our solution applies the latest technical innovations used in the field of autonomous machines, electromobility and agricultural technology. It also offers ease of use, cost-effectiveness and low operating costs. Everything designed for eco-friendly operation and a low or zero carbon footprint.