SIN104: Palm Vision AGV Rover

Andrew Ng Chee Wei ASIA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

This project presents PalmVision, an autonomous robotic system that innovates beyond current market solutions for Malaysian palm oil plantations. Unlike existing GPS-dependent agricultural robots that fail under dense canopies, PalmVision utilizes SLAM technology with LiDAR for reliable navigation in GPS-denied environments. The system uniquely combines ROS2-based autonomous navigation, machine vision using YOLOv8 and DeepSORT algorithms, and real-time ripeness prediction to address labor shortages and inspection inefficiencies. Key innovations include waypoint-based 360-degree tree inspection, multi-angle camera systems with servo control, and integrated web dashboards for comprehensive data visualization. The modular design features a robust four-wheel suspension system specifically engineered for plantation terrain, differentiating it from conventional agricultural robots designed for flat surfaces. This comprehensive solution reduces operational costs, improves worker safety, and enables data-driven harvesting decisions in challenging environments.