Innovation in Agriculture
Associate Professor Dr. Vũ Ngọc Ánh and his team have developed a machine that can traverse rice paddies, planting seeds, spraying pesticides, and fertilizing crops, with an average capacity of 4 hectares per hour. The innovation won second place in the 2024 Science Innovation Competition.
Background and Development
Associate Professor Ánh specializes in aerospace engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. For over 20 years, he has conducted research on designing automation products.
Eight years ago, he collaborated on developing agricultural drones for spraying and crop care. However, conventional machines consumed significant energy when carrying heavy loads, and the wind they generated could damage rice plants. The team overcame these challenges by transitioning from drones to the AirBoot.
For two years, Ánh and his team designed and tested this versatile rice-care machine capable of planting seeds, spraying pesticides, and fertilizing. The AirBoot utilizes multiple small floats that act as a slideway, allowing it to move effortlessly through rice paddies. It doesn't require designated irrigation channels and doesn't harm plants.
When empty, the machine weighs approximately 15 kg. It's powered by a 3,000 W electric motor with a battery that provides continuous operation for about an hour. Energy is supplied to two fan motors that propel the machine across the field at an average speed of 2 m/s. According to Ánh, the AirBoot can carry three times the payload of a drone with the same power consumption, reducing energy costs by a factor of three. Additional modules can be developed to increase load capacity as needed.
"Farmers were looking for a way to increase the load capacity of drones without increasing energy consumption," said Ánh, highlighting the problem his team addressed.
Design and Features
The AirBoot features a centrifugal seed distribution system and an automated GPS control. The control system allows for autonomous operation in the field, performing pre-programmed tasks that can be managed via smartphone.
According to Ánh, the machine has an average productivity of 4 hectares per hour, equivalent to the work of 10 laborers. The AirBoot is priced around 175 million VND (approximately $7,500). A mini version for smaller fields is available for 100 million VND ($4,300).
Besides rice, the AirBoot can be used on crops grown in rows, such as wheat, corn, sugarcane, potatoes, soybeans, and vegetables. It operates on the ground, eliminating the need for flight permits required by drones.
Commercialization and Future Prospects
Ánh acknowledges that the product is still in the commercial testing phase, and more field trials are needed to evaluate its feasibility. "Our goal is to export the AirBoot and compete with global drone products for agricultural applications," he said. The team has applied for an intellectual property patent in 2023, which is currently pending approval.
Award and Recognition
The AirBoot won second place and a prize of 50 million VND (approximately $2,150) at the 2024 Science Innovation Competition organized by VnExpress newspaper.
Professor Mai Anh Tuấn, Jury Chairman and Senior Lecturer at Hanoi National University of Technology, commended the team's creativity in developing a machine that uses a unique sliding mechanism. While similar machines exist in Europe, they typically use wheels or solar power.
Tuấn suggested that the machine's chassis could be adjusted to accommodate different plant row spacings without affecting crops. He also proposed developing the float mechanism into wheel or roller variants for operation on various terrain types.
Summary
Associate Professor Dr. Vũ Ngọc Ánh and his team have created a revolutionary machine that automates rice-planting and fertilization processes. The AirBoot offers increased efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and compatibility with various crops. As the product nears commercialization, it is poised to make a significant impact on the agricultural industry.