The branch of the Southern Federal University (SFedU) in Gelendzhik has completed successful laboratory tests of a robotic soil sampling unit.
The development, protected by a patent for a utility model, combines dynamic mobility, intelligent control, and the ability to work on complex terrain. The multifunctional platform performs three key tasks:
- Precise drilling of soil of any density
- Automated sampling with minimal operator intervention
- Real-time video monitoring via an integrated system
Professor Svetlana Sushkova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, emphasizes:
Our unit is a real solution for agrochemistry. It combines what was previously unavailable in field monitoring: complete autonomy, accuracy, and affordable cost. In fact, we have created a tool that makes professional soil analysis not only faster but also more economically beneficial for agriculture.
The development team, including Maxim Zakharov and Andrey Sokolov, notes the potential for modernization: the robot is capable of integrating measuring sensors, navigation systems, and video telemetry, the data from which can be used to train neural networks. The project was created as part of the "Priority-2030" program with the support of federal funding.
After evaluation by experts from the Rostov branch of the Agrochemical Service of Russia, the robot is being refined to meet the needs of agricultural holdings: the sampling speed and logistics are being optimized. The device is currently at the 6th level of technological readiness (TRL 6), but it is planned to reach TRL 8 by the fall of 2025. Field tests will be conducted with the participation of specialized experts.
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