
Problem Addressed
The manual spraying of pesticides in polyhouses exposes workers to hazardous chemicals, leading to severe health risks, including respiratory issues, skin diseases, and long-term ailments. Additionally, manual spraying is time-consuming, and inconsistent, and often results in excessive pesticide use, harming the environment and increasing farming costs.
Technology
This innovation operates through pre-programmed instructions or remote control, ensuring precise pesticide spraying to reduce wastage. It is electrically powered, minimising reliance on fossil fuels, and features customisable settings to suit different crop needs and polyhouse sizes.
Societal Impact
This solution offers significant benefits, including improved health by reducing human exposure to toxic pesticides, enhanced environmental sustainability by minimising soil and water contamination, and greater cost-effectiveness by cutting labour costs through automation. It also ensures time efficiency, speeding up tasks, and creates employment opportunities by fostering skills in operating robotic systems.
Current status
The robotic sprayer is operational and has been tested successfully in various polyhouse environments. Farmers using the device have reported significant improvements in efficiency and health outcomes. Plans are underway to scale up production and make the technology more affordable for small and medium-scale farmers. It has gained attention through media coverage and innovation awards, showcasing its potential for large-scale adoption.