Automated Rotating Solar Plant Rack with Self-Care Capabilities

This project aims to provide automated plant care without the need for human assistance in addition to contributing to the smart home movement. It will be relevant to all who are interested in gardening but neither have the time nor the skill to participate.

The project monitors and maintains the wellbeing of the plant via sensors within the pot, an irrigation system, and a shading system. The project consists of sensors that will provide real-time data of the plant’s well-being, an irrigation system that will provide water based on the moisture sensor’s input, a shading system that will protect the plant from over exposure to the Sun and take its input from the light and temperature sensors, and a rotational system to assure the plant receives an equal amount of sunlight on all sides.

Our design differs from comparable products on the market due to its complexity and IoT capability. Unlike most other products which focus on only one aspect such as watering and rotation, this project includes all of those features, making it an all-in-one solution to plant care needs. Most of these products are meant for small plants like herbs while ours can manage normally sized house plants. In addition, this product will not be isolated like others. Instead, it will be connected to the Internet and controlled by a web application, allowing for the plant owner to monitor and adjust the plant status from afar.

Our plant care system simplifies gardening and has huge environmental benefits. The sensors and mechanical systems work together to provide the plant with the right amount of water and sunlight, producing healthy plants with minimal effort from the customer. To start, the system is not only powered by a battery but also solar panels, and this will allow for a reduction in power consumption. Plant life intake carbon and output oxygen, aiding the environment.

These individual systems can be purchased separately at an average overall price around $100. Our project currently has a price point of around $100.

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Geibig is a baccalaureate student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Central Florida. His interests include communications and PCB manufacturing. Upon graduation, he plans on obtaining a starting position as an Electrical Engineer with a corporation.

Abigail Michael is a baccalaureate student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Her interests include signal analysis and embedded systems. Upon graduation, she plans on pursuing her graduate degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida while working towards a career in Industrial Engineering.

Christina Quinones is a baccalaureate student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Her interests include power generation, transmission and distribution. Upon graduating, she will continue her career as an electrical engineer with the Power Delivery Distribution Services Group at POWER Engineers.

Melissa Rose is a baccalaureate student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Her interests include processor design, embedded systems, and sensors. Upon graduation, she plans on working as a Hardware Engineer for IBM in Austin, Texas.