Development of a 3D Printed New Metering Mechanism for a Multi-Crop Seed Broadcasting System Using an Autonomous Small-Scale Vehicle

Developing countries in Asia widely use manual seed broadcasting methods due to a lack of appropriate seeding machinery. The agricultural sector is currently facing labor shortages and high costs, especially seasonal for transplanting operations. However, the primary constraint adopting existing seeders small-scale farmers developing initial purchase costs. Therefore, locally commercial accessible technology an urgent requirement. In this regard, attempt was taken develop new low-cost 3D printed seeder that can be used multi-crop operations when integrated with autonomous terrain vehicle. A metering mechanism proposed controlled electronically from Positional sensors based on real time kinematics—global navigation satellite system (RTK-GNSS) were record positional information. best observation noted at vehicle operational speed 0.351 ms−1 had coefficient variation (CV) referring distribution uniformity seeds 19% green peas, 22% cowpeas, 25% chickpeas. developed could spread adjust rates different ranges rotational speeds. fabricated prototype units vehicles implemented help supplements perform seeds.