Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a rover and particularly to a soil compaction rover.
Description of Related Art
[002] Soil compaction presents a persistent challenge in modern agriculture. Continuous use of heavy machinery, overgrazing by livestock, and poor soil management practices reduce pore space in the soil. This reduction restricts water infiltration, limits root penetration, hinders gas exchange, and diminishes crop productivity. Farmers face declining yields, inefficient resource utilization, and degradation of soil health due to this widespread issue.
[003] Existing solutions to address soil compaction include manual probing, visual observation, and mechanical aeration. Farmers employ soil probes or rely on visible crop stress to identify compaction zones. Once detected, mechanical interventions such as uniform tillage or deep aeration treat the soil. These practices represent the most common commercial approaches and are implemented across farms of varying sizes.
[004] However, these approaches exhibit significant shortcomings. Manual and visual methods provide localized and often inaccurate assessments of compaction. Blanket tillage and aeration apply uniform treatment across the entire field, waste fuel, increase wear on equipment, and disrupt soil structure, even in areas that require no intervention. These solutions consume high amounts of energy, demand skilled labor, and provide reactive rather than proactive correction, leaving a technological gap in effective and sustainable soil management.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced soil compaction rover that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a soil compaction rover. The rover comprising a chassis adapted to provide integral strength to the rover. The chassis comprising a mobility unit adapted to navigate the rover in an agricultural field. The chassis further comprising a detection unit adapted to measure soil compaction levels at different depths across the agricultural field. The chassis further comprising a control unit communicatively connected to the mobility unit and the detection unit. The control unit is configured to activate the mobility unit to navigate the rover in a sector of the agricultural field; activate the detection unit to measure soil compaction levels at different depths in the corresponding sector; receive the measured soil compaction levels at the different depths in the corresponding sector; process the received soil compaction levels at different depths using an embedded artificial intelligence engine to classify compaction severity; generate a georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field based on the classified compaction severity; and activate an adaptive mechatronic aeration tool to perform targeted soil aeration in the corresponding sector. The targeted soil aeration is conducted based on the generated georeferenced compaction map.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for soil compaction using a soil compaction rover. The method comprising steps of activating a mobility unit to navigate the rover in a sector of an agricultural field; activating a detection unit to measure soil compaction levels at the different depths in the corresponding sector; receiving the measured soil compaction levels at different depths in the corresponding sector; processing the received soil compaction levels at different depths using an embedded artificial intelligence engine to classify compaction severity; generating a georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field based on the classified compaction severity; and activating an adaptive mechatronic aeration tool to perform targeted soil aeration in the corresponding sector. The targeted soil aeration is conducted based on the generated georeferenced compaction map.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a soil compaction rover.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a rover that detects compacted zones with high spatial accuracy and performs targeted aeration only at required points.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a rover that reduces fuel consumption, minimizes machinery wear, and lowers overall operational costs.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a rover that preserves beneficial microorganisms, reduces soil erosion, and maintains organic matter.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a rover that navigates farmland independently, communicates data wirelessly, and integrates with farm management systems.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a rover that reduces labor demand and enhances scalability for larger operations.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a soil compaction rover, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates the soil compaction rover, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a connectivity diagram of the soil compaction rover, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for soil compaction using the soil compaction rover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0023] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a soil compaction rover 100 (hereinafter referred to as the rover 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the rover 100 may autonomously traverse farmland, may detect soil resistance at various depths, and may process the collected data to classify compaction severity. The rover 100 may then generate a georeferenced compaction map that may represent variation in soil density across the agricultural field.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rover 100 may utilize the generated compaction map to initiate corrective action at localized regions of the agricultural field. Based on the classification results, the rover 100 applies controlled mechanical intervention only in compacted zones, thereby avoiding unnecessary disruption of non-compacted areas. This selective operation reduces energy use, maintains beneficial soil structure, and ensures that the agricultural field may be adequately prepared for crop production.
[0027] Further, the rover 100 functions as a closed-loop system in soil data acquisition, processing, classification, and corrective action occur in real time. The rover 100 may be adapted to provide farmers with a fully automated solution that minimizes labor requirements, increases operational efficiency, and improves crop yield potential by addressing soil compaction before planting. In an embodiment of the present invention, the rover 100 may reduce the release of carbon dioxide by avoiding deep and uniform tillage. The targeted aeration strategy may minimize soil disturbance, preserve beneficial microorganisms, and maintain organic carbon within the soil profile.
[0028] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the rover 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance a processing speed and an efficiency, such as the rover 100 may comprise a chassis 102, a mobility unit 104, a detection unit 106, a control unit 108, a reporting unit 110, an adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112, and a network interface 114. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the rover 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and limitations of the existing rovers.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the chassis 102 may be provided to constitute the primary structural framework of the rover 100. The chassis 102 may be adapted to provide integral strength, rigidity, and stability to the rover 100 during traversal of the agricultural fields. The chassis 102 may be manufactured from materials selected from steel alloys, aluminum composites, reinforced polymers, and so forth. Said materials may ensure high durability while maintaining reduced overall weight.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, chassis 102 may be configured to support uniform load distribution during operation on uneven or sloped terrain. The chassis 102 may include reinforced members, cross braces, and load-bearing joints that may absorb shocks and vibrations encountered in rough agricultural environments. The chassis 102 may further be adapted to maintain uniform ground clearance and center of gravity so that the rover 100 may retain stability without tilting, overturning, or losing traction during operation.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, chassis 102 may be designed as a modular platform that may permit integration of additional mechanical or electronic subsystems in a scalable manner. The chassis 102 may incorporate mounting brackets, alignment slots, and integrated cable routing channels that may facilitate assembly, maintenance, and system upgrades. The chassis 102 may further include corrosion-resistant surface treatments such as galvanization, powder coating, or chemical-resistant lamination so that exposure to soil moisture, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals may not affect long-term performance.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit 104 may be adapted to navigate the rover 100 on an agricultural field. The mobility unit 104 may comprise a set of wheels adapted to drive and navigate the rover 100 on the agricultural field. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit 104 may be provided to enable autonomous movement of the rover 100 across diverse agricultural fields. The mobility unit 104 may be adapted to follow predefined paths or dynamically generated routes based on real-time inputs. The mobility unit 104 may incorporate drive mechanisms, steering assemblies, and adaptive movement strategies so that smooth navigation may be achieved on flat agricultural fields, sloped areas, and rough agricultural field surfaces. The mobility unit 104 may further ensure stable operation during navigation by maintaining balance, traction, and consistent forward motion. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit 104 may comprise an adjustable suspension system that may enable stable movement across rough, rocky, or sloped agricultural fields. The adjustable suspension system may be adapted to reduce mechanical shocks and maintain uniform velocity in the agricultural field.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit 104 may be adapted to scan and map the agricultural field using a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), an artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm, a geographic information system, and so forth. The scanning and mapping of the agricultural field may enable the mobility unit 104 to execute an autonomous navigation of the rover 100 in the agricultural field. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit 104 may incorporate a real-time kinematic global positioning system adapted to provide sub-centimeter positioning accuracy. The real-time kinematic global positioning system may allow precise navigation across the agricultural field and accurate geotagging of soil compaction data.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may be configured in the mobility unit 104 of the rover 100 to dynamically generate navigation routes. The artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may be adapted to analyze input from the detection unit 106 and may adjust the route in real time to avoid obstacles and optimize mobility of the rover 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may be adapted to evaluate agricultural field complexity and select an optimized trajectory for the rover 100. The artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may be configured to prioritize smoother surfaces, reduce traversal over steep slopes, and maintain uniform velocity of the rover 100. Further, the artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may harvest data from obstacle avoidance sensors, such as, but not limited to, LiDAR, ultrasonic modules, and so forth. The obstacle avoidance sensors may detect rocks, stumps, or plants and may allow the rover 100 to adjust its path in real time without operator intervention.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may be configured to minimize overlap in the agricultural field. The artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may adapt the movement path of the mobility unit 104 so that systematic soil computation may be achieved without redundancy. In an embodiment of the present invention, the artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may be adapted to reduce energy consumption by computing the most efficient navigation routes for the rover 100. The artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may minimize unnecessary turns, retracing, or extended detours.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may be configured to employ machine learning techniques. The artificial intelligence based path planning algorithm may analyze historical operational data from the control unit 108 and improve navigation accuracy and efficiency during subsequent traversal cycles.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 106 may be adapted to measure soil compaction levels at different depths across the agricultural field. The detection unit 106 may comprise a digital cone penetrometer, a ground-penetrating radar, a soil electrical conductivity sensor, a soil sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and so forth. The inertial measurement unit may be configured to measure vibration and force feedback during penetration.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 106 may be configured to operate in a multi-layer sensing mode such that compaction data may be acquired from surface soil, intermediate soil, and subsoil layers. The detection unit 106 may therefore generate depth-resolved data that may be utilized by the control logic for accurate classification of compaction severity across the agricultural field.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 106 may be configured to employ the ground-penetrating radar to detect hardpan layers and subsurface density variations without physically disturbing the soil. The ground-penetrating radar may operate across frequency ranges between 200 MHz and 2 GHz so that penetration depth and resolution may be dynamically adjusted based on soil type and moisture content.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 106 may be configured to employ the digital cone penetrometer equipped with a load cell and displacement transducer. The load cell may be adapted to record penetration resistance values, while the displacement transducer may measure depth of insertion. These measurements may be synchronized in real time so that compaction gradients may be generated with high accuracy.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 106 may be configured to employ the soil electrical conductivity sensor adapted to analyze soil density and moisture variation. The soil electrical conductivity sensor may operate using an alternating current excitation method that changes in bulk conductivity and may correspond to variations in soil compaction and porosity.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 106 may be configured to employ the inertial measurement unit with tri-axial accelerometers and gyroscopes for quantification of vibration signatures during penetration. These vibration signatures may be correlated with force profiles to determine soil resistance characteristics at multiple depths.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 106 may include a data acquisition interface adapted to aggregate measurements from the digital cone penetrometer, the ground-penetrating radar, the soil electrical conductivity sensor, and the inertial measurement unit. The data acquisition interface may digitize, timestamp, and geotag the measurements so that they may be transmitted to the control logic for processing and mapping.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be provided to govern overall functioning of the rover 100. The control unit 108 may be adapted to process inputs from the detection unit 106, regulate actions of the mobility unit 104, and synchronize operation of the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to activate the mobility unit 104 to navigate the rover 100 in a sector of the agricultural field. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to activate the detection unit 106 to measure soil compaction levels at different depths in the corresponding sector. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to receive the measured soil compaction levels at the different depths in the corresponding sector.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to process the received soil compaction levels at different depths using an embedded artificial intelligence engine to classify compaction severity. In an embodiment of the present invention, compaction severity may refer to the degree to which soil particles may be pressed together, thereby reducing pore space available for air, water, and root penetration. Compaction severity may be classified based on resistance encountered by penetration tools, reflection patterns from ground-penetrating radar, or variations in soil electrical conductivity. In another embodiment, compaction severity may be categorized into levels such as light, moderate, and severe. Light compaction may correspond to soil conditions where root penetration and water infiltration remain largely unaffected. Moderate compaction may correspond to conditions where root growth and aeration may be partially restricted, leading to localized yield reduction. Severe compaction may correspond to conditions where pore spaces may be critically reduced, root systems cannot expand adequately, and water infiltration may be significantly obstructed. In a further embodiment, classification of compaction severity may enable the rover 100 to apply targeted corrective measures. For instance, areas identified with light compaction may not require intervention, areas with moderate compaction may receive shallow aeration, and areas with severe compaction may receive deep and forceful aeration. By aligning corrective action with compaction severity, overall soil health may be preserved while operational efficiency may be maximized.
[0047] The embedded artificial intelligence engine may be deployed and trained on an edge computing unit configured to execute machine learning models for real-time compaction classification. In an embodiment of the present invention, the embedded artificial intelligence engine may be deployed on hardware modules such as, but not limited to, an NVIDIA Jetson Nano, a Coral Tensor Processing Unit, a Raspberry Pi with an artificial intelligence accelerator, and so forth. Such hardware modules may enable low-power, high-throughput classification in field conditions.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the embedded artificial intelligence engine may be configured to employ a sensor fusion framework that may integrate penetration resistance data, radar reflections, and conductivity measurements to generate a unified soil compaction profile. This integration may enable robust classification even in noisy field environments. In another embodiment of the present invention, the embedded artificial intelligence engine may utilize pre-trained machine learning models that may be fine-tuned with localized soil datasets. The fine-tuning process may allow the engine to adapt classification thresholds for diverse soil types, moisture conditions, and seasonal variations. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the embedded artificial intelligence engine may be configured to operate in real time on an edge computing unit such that inference results may be available without dependence on external connectivity. This edge-based operation may reduce latency and ensure continuous functionality in remote agricultural regions. The embedded artificial intelligence engine may include decision-making logic adapted to trigger the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 in real time. The decision-making logic may analyse soil resistance, radar reflections, and electrical conductivity values and may initiate corrective action whenever compaction exceeds predefined thresholds.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to generate the georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field based on the classified compaction severity. The control unit 108 may further be configured to generate a three-dimensional compaction map in a layer-by-layer manner while traversing the agricultural field. Each soil depth layer may be recorded with compaction severity data and may be overlaid on a geographic information system platform for agronomic analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to deploy a path planning algorithm and an obstacle detection model for generation and refinement of the georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the georeferenced compaction map may represent a spatially resolved visualization of soil compaction severity across an agricultural field. The georeferenced compaction map may combine soil compaction data with geographic coordinates so that variations in soil density may be localized to exact positions within the field. In another embodiment, generation of the georeferenced compaction map may begin with acquisition of soil resistance, radar reflections, and conductivity data through the detection unit 106. Each data point may be tagged with global positioning coordinates obtained from a global positioning system module or a real-time kinematic system.
[0051] The control unit 108 may process the tagged data using the embedded artificial intelligence engine to classify compaction severity levels. In a further embodiment, the classified data points may be interpolated across the field using spatial algorithms such as kriging, inverse distance weighting, or spline fitting. The interpolation process may generate a continuous surface map that may represent soil compaction gradients at varying depths. The georeferenced compaction map may then be rendered in two-dimensional or three-dimensional formats. Lighter shades may indicate zones of low compaction and darker shades may indicate zones of higher severity. In another embodiment, the georeferenced compaction map may be dynamically updated as the rover 100 traverses the agricultural field. Real-time processing may enable incremental generation of the map, thereby allowing immediate identification of compacted zones that require intervention. The georeferenced compaction map may further be transmitted through the network interface 114 to remote dashboards or mobile applications for monitoring and agronomic decision-making.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to activate the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 to perform targeted soil aeration in the corresponding sector. The targeted soil aeration may be conducted based on the generated georeferenced compaction map. The control unit 108 may be configured to generate and store post-operation reports including soil compaction levels, aerated zones, operational metrics, or a combination thereof, in the reporting unit 110.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may be adapted to perform targeted soil aeration in the agricultural field. The adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may comprise interchangeable implements selected from spikes, hollow tines, pneumatic injectors, and so forth. The adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may vary aeration depth, insertion force, tool spacing, or a combination thereof based on the classified compaction severity.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may comprise retractable implements that may extend or retract depending on soil depth and severity. The retractable design may allow efficient switching between shallow aeration and deep penetration without manual tool replacement. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may adjust tool angle and insertion rate in addition to aeration depth, insertion force, and tool spacing. Such an adjustment may ensure effective penetration in heterogeneous soils with variable moisture and density conditions.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may be actuated through hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, or servo-driven mechanisms that may precisely regulate penetration depth and insertion force. The actuation system may dynamically respond to real-time control signals generated by the control unit 108. In another embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may comprise a force-feedback loop in which load sensors may continuously monitor insertion resistance. The measured resistance values may be compared against pre-defined thresholds so that the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may automatically adjust its operational parameters to prevent over-penetration or equipment damage. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may include a tool change interface that may permit rapid replacement of aeration implements. The tool change interface may employ quick-release couplings or modular mounts that may enable the rover 100 to adapt to different soil types and compaction layers without manual disassembly. In another embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may be configured to perform variable-depth aeration patterns across the agricultural field.
[0056] The aeration tool 112 may selectively alternate between shallow perforations for moderate compaction and deep coring operations for severe compaction, thereby conserving energy while ensuring adequate soil recovery. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may incorporate hollow tines or pneumatic injectors that may simultaneously create voids and introduce air or fluid into compacted soil layers. This dual-function operation may improve oxygen exchange, water infiltration, and microbial activity within the soil profile.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the network interface 114 may be adapted to transmit the georeferenced compaction map and operational data to a remote device 200 (as shown in FIG. 2). In an embodiment of the present invention, the network interface 114 may be adapted to establish data exchange between the rover 100 and the remote device 200. In an embodiment of the present invention, the network interface 114 may be adapted to transmit real-time operational data, maintenance notifications, or a combination thereof. The network interface 114 may utilize wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or cellular networks, depending on deployment scenarios. In a preferred embodiment, the network interface 114 may be an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled modem. The network interface 114 may therefore allow continuous connectivity for monitoring and control. The Internet of Things (IoT) enabled modem may enable remote operation and monitoring of the machine 100 through a mobile application or a web-based dashboard. The network interface 114 may thus provide alerts regarding the georeferenced compaction map, the operational data, navigation performance, and required maintenance to the mobile application or a web-based dashboard.
[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, the network interface 114 may be adapted to enable multi-robot coordination through cloud-based or mesh-network-based communication. Multi-robot coordination may allow multiple rovers 100 to operate simultaneously across large agricultural fields with minimal overlap. In an embodiment of the present invention, the network interface 114 may be configured to perform remote diagnostics and over-the-air firmware updates. Remote diagnostics may allow identification of faults in sensors or actuators, and firmware updates may allow periodic improvement of artificial intelligence models without manual intervention.
[0059] FIG. 1B illustrates the rover 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the rover 100 may be deployed in a vineyard where soil between vine rows may exhibit localized compaction caused by irrigation patterns and repeated foot traffic. The rover 100 may comprise a chassis 102 that may provide structural integrity for stable movement along narrow vineyard paths. The mobility unit 104 may enable navigation between the vine rows by utilizing global positioning data and obstacle detection sensors. The mobility unit 104 may maintain balance on uneven surfaces and may prevent disruption of root zones during traversal. Further, the detection unit 106 may classify compaction severity in areas adjacent to vines while preserving undisturbed soil near the root systems. The control unit 108 may generate the georeferenced compaction map of the vineyard field. In the georeferenced compaction map, compacted strips between rows may be identified and classified as moderate-to-severe. The georeferenced compaction map of the vineyard field may be stored in the reporting unit 110. Further, the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 may perform targeted aeration in compacted strips while avoiding direct disturbance of vine root zones. The aeration depth, force, and spacing may be automatically adjusted in real time based on compaction severity levels detected in the vineyard rows. Additionally, the network interface 114 may transmit the georeferenced compaction map and operational metrics to the remote device 200, thereby enabling remote monitoring and corrective action planning.
[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates a connectivity diagram of the rover 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the rover 100 may include a network interface 114 that may be adapted to establish wireless communication with the remote device 200. The network interface 114 may be configured to transmit operational data, georeferenced compaction maps, and maintenance alerts to the remote device 200 in real time. The network interface 114 may utilize wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or cellular networks so that reliable connectivity may be established under diverse agricultural conditions.
[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote device 200 may be implemented as a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer, or a cloud-based server that may receive, display, and store transmitted data. In a further embodiment, the remote device 200 may provide a graphical interface that may visualize compaction maps, operational status, and navigation history of the rover 100. The interface may further enable remote commands to be issued back to the rover 100 through the network interface 114. Such bidirectional communication may allow the remote device 200 to supervise real-time operation, initiate corrective instructions, and configure functional parameters of the rover 100. In another embodiment, the network interface 114 may be configured to encrypt data before transmission so that communication between the rover 100 and the remote device 200 may remain secure. The remote device 200 may further be configured to generate archival records of received data, that may be utilized for long-term analysis and optimization of agricultural practices.
[0062] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for soil compaction using the rover 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] At step 302, the mobility unit 104 may be activated to navigate the rover 100 in the sector of the agricultural field.
[0064] At step 304, the detection unit 106 may be activated to measure the soil compaction levels at the different depths in the corresponding sector.
[0065] At step 306, the rover 100 may receive the measured soil compaction levels at the different depths in the corresponding sector.
[0066] At step 308, the rover 100 may process the received soil compaction levels at different depths using the embedded artificial intelligence engine to classify the compaction severity.
[0067] At step 310, the rover 100 may generate the georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field based on the classified compaction severity.
[0068] At step 312, the rover 100 may activate the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool 112 to perform targeted soil aeration in the corresponding sector. The targeted soil aeration may be conducted based on the generated georeferenced compaction map.
[0069] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0070] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A soil compaction rover (100), the rover (100) comprising:
a chassis (102) adapted to provide integral strength to the rover (100), the chassis (102) comprising:
a mobility unit (104) adapted to navigate the rover (100) in an agricultural field;
a detection unit (106) adapted to measure soil compaction levels at different depths across the agricultural field; and
a control unit (108) communicatively connected to the mobility unit (104) and the detection unit (106), characterized in that the control unit (108) is configured to:
activate the mobility unit (104) to navigate the rover (100) in a sector of the agricultural field;
activate the detection unit (106) to measure soil compaction levels at different depths in the corresponding sector;
receive the measured soil compaction levels at the different depths in the corresponding sector;
process the received soil compaction levels at different depths using an embedded artificial intelligence engine to classify compaction severity;
generate a georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field based on the classified compaction severity; and
activate an adaptive mechatronic aeration tool (112) to perform targeted soil aeration in the corresponding sector, wherein the targeted soil aeration is conducted based on the generated georeferenced compaction map.
2. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobility unit (104) is adapted to deploy a global positioning system and a geographic information system for enabling autonomous navigation of the rover (100) in the agricultural field.
3. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection unit (106) comprises a digital cone penetrometer, a ground-penetrating radar, a soil electrical conductivity sensor, a soil sensor, an inertial measurement unit, or a combination thereof.
4. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to deploy a path planning algorithm and an obstacle detection model for the generation of the georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field.
5. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the embedded artificial intelligence engine is deployed and trained on an edge computing unit configured to execute machine learning models for real-time compaction classification.
6. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool (112) comprises interchangeable implements selected from spikes, hollow tines, pneumatic injectors, or a combination thereof.
7. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adaptive mechatronic aeration tool (112) varies aeration depth, insertion force, tool spacing, or a combination thereof based on the classified compaction severity.
8. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to transmit the georeferenced compaction map and operational data to a remote device (200) using a network interface (114).
9. The rover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to generate and store post-operation reports including soil compaction levels, aerated zones, operational metrics, or a combination thereof, in a reporting unit (110).
10. A method (300) for soil compaction using a soil compaction rover (100), the method is characterized by steps of:
activating a mobility unit (104) to navigate the rover (100) in a sector of an agricultural field;
activating a detection unit (106) to measure soil compaction levels at the different depths in the corresponding sector;
receiving the measured soil compaction levels at different depths in the corresponding sector;
processing the received soil compaction levels at different depths using an embedded artificial intelligence engine to classify compaction severity;
generating a georeferenced compaction map of the agricultural field based on the classified compaction severity; and
activating an adaptive mechatronic aeration tool (112) to perform targeted soil aeration in the corresponding sector, wherein the targeted soil aeration is conducted based on the generated georeferenced compaction map.
Date: October 08, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant