Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2792
Date of Award
6-2024
Degree Name
MS in Agriculture - BioResource and Agriculture Systems
Department/Program
Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering
College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Advisor
Peter Livingston
Advisor Department
Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering
Advisor College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Abstract
Further automation of the agricultural industry and an increase in organic fruit production are needed to address labor shortage and increased demand. The move to an autonomous bug vacuum is easier if the equipment is electric, and not powered by a tractor’s PTO (power take-off) shaft. The main objective of this project was to design a set of lygus bug vacuums to go on a robot that meets industry standards while using electric power instead of hydraulic. The frame of the vacuum was designed using the industry standard. While hydraulic systems have been a very effective power source for vacuums until now, electronic motors with VFD (variable frequency drive) control allow for a cost effective, precise control, of the lygus bug vacuums with less failures. This also allows a robot type system to be able to run the vacuums using a preexisting power source without the addition of a bulky hydraulic system.