Vavilov University Develops Smart Charging Station for Agricultural Robots
Scientists at Vavilov University are developing a docking station for agricultural robots that will make them easier to use in grain storage facilities. The device not only charges the robots but also predicts hidden faults before they occur.
Russia’s agricultural sector lacks automation, and robots used to clean and disinfect grain elevators have to be charged manually and tracked down in warehouses if they stop. Mikhailov’s development addresses this problem with four key components hidden inside the station. A battery management system (BMS) controller carefully charges the robot’s battery and monitors its operating cycles. A single-board computer collects the robot’s internal telemetry while it is charging. Wi-Fi connects the station to the robot as it approaches, while a GSM module sends equipment-status reports to the owner’s smartphone.
The station works like a “black box” and can withstand voltage fluctuations typical of rural areas. If a robot hits an obstacle, overheats or begins to malfunction, the system records the event in non-volatile memory and immediately alerts the owner, allowing faults to be detected within seconds.
