Autonomous guidance Using Ultrasonic Sensors for a Small Orchard Sprayer

Chemical application is very hazardous in confined spaces under the canopy ceiling in Korean vineyard. For a small orchard sprayer adaptable to such a working condition, a low-cost autonomous steering control system was developed using two ultrasonic sensors, two electrically-operated cylinders and 80196kc microprocessor. A distance ranging system timed the round-trip for each ultrasonic wave to travel against parallel targets, placed every 1.5m spacing along both sides of a desired path. A steering control algorithm of the autonomous operation began with ranging left and right targets and the heading was decided using difference between the distances. Electrically-operated cylinders actuated steering clutches to guide the sprayer. Evaluation tests showed that the orchard sprayer could travel within RMS value of 5cm along the desired path. Ground speed did not affect the performance of the autonomous guidance system at the speed ranges of 0.29~0.52m/sec.