Conceptual design of a semi-autonomous vehicle for remote probing of environmental variables
Remote sensing, sustainability, robotic vehicle
It presents the conception of a semi-autonomous vehicle for environmental exploration, designed to collect and transmit data on soil variables. The project was conceived considering a vehicle capable of moving in a semi-autonomous way in areas with potential for desertification — such as the Brazilian Semiarid Region. The vehicle will act as a Data Collection Platform, working with the Brazilian Data Collection System, transmitting data via satellite and receiving data in a mission control center. The region to be monitored will be previously identified by satellite images, in which its georeference coordinates will help to locate the vehicle and map the local area; and the results of soil mapping and monitoring carried out by the vehicle, will help in the characterization of environments through data intercomparison. Among other features of the vehicle, there is a probe for measuring soil parameters (soil moisture and salinity) and a drilling device (electric drill) to facilitate the penetration of the sensors into the ground. From the explorations through the vehicle, the possibility of supporting projects of recovery and soil management is considered, making the sustainable use of the land feasible.