SBIR Phase II: Improving farmer safety and grain storage efficiencies via an autonomous grain management and extraction robot

该小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目的更广泛/商业影响包括开发和实施收割后谷物管理机器人，其目标是减少浪费，提高效率，并提高农业部门的整体可持续性。收获后的粮食管理是农业的一个重要方面;然而，它对农民来说也是一个具有挑战性和劳动密集型的过程。在这一过程中引入机器人有可能缓解这些困难并提高整体生产率。通过减少浪费和提高粮食储存和加工的效率，农民可以确保更大比例的作物得到利用，从而获得更可观的产量。此外，自动化的使用可以改善农民的工作条件，使他们能够将更多的时间用于其他重要任务。该研究成果对国家安全、粮食安全和农村经济具有重大影响。该小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第二期项目通过研究和开发粮仓管理机器人来解决农民/工人的福祉问题。 该机器人有可能通过其在颗粒散装存储环境中自主执行新颖和创新任务的能力来改变收获后谷物存储领域。此外，通过实施强大的安全措施和使用专业的强化电子设备，机器人能够在恶劣的危险环境中安全有效地运行，这进一步证明了这项技术在推进农业机器人领域方面的重要性。随着这项技术的发展，自主机器人将改变谷物的储存方式。这项研究的进展将重点从安全性扩展到完成人类无法完成的工作的能力。该机器人将对整个粮食供应链中的劳动力问题、粮食质量改善和工作流程效率产生积极影响。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project includes the development and implementation of a robot for post-harvest grain management with the goal of reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector. Post-harvest grain management is a crucial aspect of agriculture; However, it can also be a challenging and labor-intensive process for farmers. The incorporation of robots in this process has the potential to alleviate these difficulties and improve overall productivity. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency in grain storage and processing, farmers can ensure that a greater proportion of their crops are utilized, resulting in a more substantial yield. Additionally, the use of automation can enhance working conditions for farmers, allowing them to devote more time to other important tasks. The findings of this research have the potential to have a significant impact on national security, food security, and the rural economy.This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses farmer/worker well-being with research and development on a grain bin management robot. This robot has the potential to transform the field of post-harvest grain storage through its ability to autonomously perform novel and innovative tasks within granular bulk storage environments. Additionally, the robot's ability to safely and effectively operate in harsh, hazardous environments through the implementation of robust safety measures and the use of specialized, hardened electronics further demonstrates the significance of this technology in advancing the field of agricultural robotics. As this technology develops, the autonomous robot will change the way grain is stored. Advances from this research expand the focus from safety to the ability to do the work that no human could. The robot will positively impact labor issues, grain quality improvements, and workflow efficiencies throughout the grain-based supply chain.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.