Driving Question:
How can we design a device to address the issue of pest problems (insects & birds) in urban farming without relying on human intervention or insecticide?
Project Introduction:
Urban farming has become an increasingly popular way for people in urban areas to grow their food, but it also comes with its own set of challenges: pest management. Pests can cause significant damage to crops and can be challenging to control without traditional chemical insecticides. In this project, we aim to utilize the M5stack and its sensors to simulate an automated pest control system that could be developed to effectively manage pests in urban farms as an alternative to traditional chemical insecticides.
Pest Problems in Urban Farming:
Urban areas often have different microclimates compared to rural areas and can have higher humidity, warmth, and less wind, creating optimal conditions for pests. Urban farms also need more natural predators to keep the pest population in check. The infestation of pests in urban farming can cause a variety of issues, such as Crop damage: Pests can feed on plants and crops, causing significant damage as well as reducing yields- Spread of diseases: Some pests, such as aphids, can spread plant diseases, further exacerbating crop damage.- Environmental Impact: The use of chemical pesticides to control pests can have negative impacts on the environment as well as contaminate the food grown.
Project PEST TERROR:
Our product will consist of an antenna system and our terror robot.
Antenna System:
Consist of an automated water sprinkler system that detects nearby pests and sprays garlic-infused water when necessary. Garlic-infused water is a natural repellent and repels pests such as aphids, ants, termites, beetles, whiteflies, etc. (This eliminates the need for traditional chemical insecticides)The antenna system will also produce ultrasound waves when pests are detected. (Studies have shown that some pests will find the ultrasound irritating thus leaving the area)If a pest that is resistant to both garlic water and ultrasound approaches the farm, the antenna system will signal the TERROR robot to eliminate the pest accordingly.
TERROR Robot:
Acts as a natural deterrence to pests such as birds/crows (Traditional Scarecrow). It will also have flashing red and blue LED lights. (Studies have shown that red and blue light is intimidating to birds causing them to leave the area.)It also makes loud sounds to scare birds away. It is equipped with vacuum guns that can suck and eliminate pests. When signaled by the antenna system, TERROR Robot will move to the infested location and vacuum the pest.
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