Optimization of Corn Farming: Proof of Concept for the Design of a Multifunctional Agricultural Robot for Weeding and Pesticide Application

Corn is regarded as a high-yielding crop due to its flexibility and resistance. However, the excessive use of pesticides has led to the development of resistance in weeds, which has led to an increase in their use and the perpetuation of a vicious cycle. Conversely, inadequate weed control can result in the deprivation of nutrients, water, and sunlight, essential for optimal crop development. This can impede growth, reduce productivity, and, in extreme cases, result in crop loss. This paper proposes the implementation of a farming robot that can accurately use pesticides and remove weeds during the production process. As farming robots have revolutionized the corn industry, increasing efficiency and yield, they can perform tasks such as planting, harvesting, plant health monitoring, and pest control more accurately and quickly than traditional systems. This analysis provided a proof of concept for the implementation of a prototype, focusing on corn crops, which will enable farmers to produce higher-quality food and safeguard workers’ health by reducing exposure to high doses of chemicals. In this way, this project confirms the advancement of agricultural robots for spraying and weeding in the future.