Effective data recording in agriculture: A robust system for mobile machines

Abstract

The development of a robust data recording system for mobile machines is crucial for the precise collection and analysis of data in precision agriculture. This study develops a recording system that operates reliably under harsh conditions such as vibration, dust, and changing climatic conditions. It is adapted for this application, but can also be designed as a recording system for other agricultural recording scenarios, such as crop cultivation or harvesting. The system integrates a multispectral camera that captures images in the visible and near-infrared range, as well as two CAN bus systems for acquiring machine data. The camera is protected by a robust housing and operates with an illumination system in the visible and infrared spectral range to ensure consistent, high-quality images. The data is retrieved in a time-synchronized manner and stored on a rugged computer specifically designed for use in demanding environments. The system's software enables automatic and time-controlled data acquisition, supported by precise time synchronization. Initial tests and validations in the laboratory and on-site on a sugar beet transfer machine have demonstrated the system's ability to collect and process accurate and consistent data. The results of this project provide a solid foundation for future developments in data recording and processing using artificial intelligence in agriculture and contribute to increasing the efficiency of agricultural processes.