Setting up the robot arm to work with the plants

[Angelo Vermeulen]

Hi Ileana,

This is how we envisioned the robot arm could work with the plants and hydroponics system.

[I] Nursery

There could be a small platform somewhere on top of the spiral where nursery work can be done. We should have (1) a supply of pre-prepared baskets there, (2) a tray with a constant water level, and (3) possibly additional lighting. The baskets are prepared in a very specific way. Each basket contains either Mauna Loa cinder or commercial hydroponic substrate and a coconut plug with embedded seeds (shown in the photo in attachment). A loop of galvanized wire makes it easier to move a basket with the arm. We put a clearly labeled supply of baskets with different seeds in the nursery area. Remotely Simon and me can then choose what to pick up and grow.

[II] Grow

Once the seedlings are big enough, we pick up the baskets and place them in the holes in the spiral. We can inspect growth using the webcams (one on the wrist of the arm, one giving an overview of the spiral).

[III] Harvest

Harvesting could be done by simply taking out the baskets again and dropping them in a container. Henk is very interested to see if we can actually cut leaves (and eventually) fruits with the arm. But I think that’s for a later stage.

Cheers,

Angelo

[Ileana Argyris]

Hi Angelo,
I'm working on it.

Thanks,

Ileana

[Angelo Vermeulen]

ACK!

A