Designing, modeling and controlling a novel autonomous laser weeding system

 

Abstract: in this paper, the process of designing and developing a novel laser weeding test setup is explained. The main purpose of designing this system was to simulate the dynamic field conditions of a mobile vehicle capable of targeting weeds. This system consists of a rig containing three conveyor belts fully controlled by a Siemens PLC controller (programmable logic controller), a stereo vision system consisting of two cameras, a 2-axis laser beam deflection unit and a laser source. The main challenge in this project was to accurately estimate and reconstruct the weed growth center using the stereo vision system. The growth center was then targeted by a laser beam controlled by a deflection unit. The preliminary test results showed a good performance of the system than can replace usage of herbicides.

Keywords: laser weeding system, herbicide, stereo vision system, deflection unit