Laserbird

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to develop / evaluate a method to combat weeds from drones. It turned out that the original idea of using lasers was problematic. However, other methods where the drone is in contact with the ground by cable or hose were found to be more promising as they both contributed to increased stability of the drone and that it was provided with important resources. At the demo day, a system was demonstrated in which the drone and a ground vehicle were fighting weeds.

Expected results and effects

Using a laser proved to be problematic since with existing stability it requires higher power than is permitted. One way to increase stability was to land on long legs, this solution was however unstable. Different variants with the drone tethered worked well with improved stability and longer operating time. At the demo day, a system was demonstrated in which the drone and a ground vehicle were fighting weeds.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consisted of four work packages that were run fairly independent of each other as they focused on different parts of the system´s function. The trials were conducted to investigate how well different concepts worked, based on previous trials and evaluation of these / brain storming meetings. As a result, we were able to assess which development paths were realistic and which were not relatively quickly. Because the trials were recorded on video, documentation was facilitated and the benefits of the trials increased.