Pechay (brassica rapa l.) seed sower machine using automation Kenneth S. Serafica... [et. al]

Thesis Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering University of Rizal System-Morong 2018

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The main objective of this research study was to develop a Pechay (Brassica rapa L.) Seed Sower Machine Using Automation Technology during the academic year 2018-2019. The study was conducted for the purpose of addressing agricultural problems such as decreasing land space efficiency, non-utilization of high-tech engineered agricultural machines and low production efficiency. The machine has two main parts namely the microcontroller unit system in which a programmed Gizduino X ATMega 1281 will perform the whole operating system such as digging, seeding, and watering and the hardware system which includes the plant box, track, gantry, cross slide, tool mount and main tool. The researchers utilized a modified and enhanced questionnaire's checklist to determine the level of acceptability of the developed model in terms of functionality of the digger, seeder, watering tool, user-friendliness, and safety and maintenance. The researchers also use the Likert 5-point scale to analyze and interpret the results. In determining the level of acceptability of the developed machine weighted mean was used. Since this study was conducted to address agricultural problems, the researchers utilized the descriptive, developmental, and experimental type of research method. The machine has two main parts namely the Microcontroller Unit System in which a programmed Gizduino X ATMega 1281 using Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will perform the whole operating system and the Hardware System which includes the plant box, track, gantry, cross slide, tool mount and main tool. The Pechay (Brassica rapa L.) Seed Sower Machine Using Automation Technology was successfully and tested and was "Highly Accepted" as perceived by the respondents. The machine was successfully designed and constructed with materials that are locally available and was found highly acceptable in terms of its functionality, user-friendliness and safety and maintenance. The researchers came up with the following recommendations based on the results and feedback of the respondents for the improvement of the machine as well as suggestions for future studies. It is suggested to improve the hardware system of the machine such as lessening the noise of the machine using lubricant and more quality materials, increase the speed of the machine by using more quality materials and include adjustable speed feature, install different sensor to improve the effectiveness of the machine, provide external power supply to be more portable and easier to operate, develop a software interface that can handle different varieties of seeds, and create a cover for the motor and other parts of the machine especially when kept outdoor to preserve its quality and optimal use when. It is recommended to improve the manual to make it more user friendly to all. Further studies should be taken to improve this study such as spending more time before the defense so the researchers could observe the growth of the seed planted using the sower machine and to see if it will produce better Pechay than the conventional planting method. And lastly for the next researcher of this type of study, it is advised to assess the cost effectiveness of the of developed machine if it is economical.