Key Takeaways

• Carrotech is an IoT-based smart farming device that provides real-time monitoring of greenhouse conditions.
• Utilizes low-power LoRaWAN connectivity for continuous data transmission of environmental metrics.
• Designed for energy autonomy with solar charging and optimized power management features.

Innovation in Smart Farming

Carrotech represents an advancement in smart farming by leveraging IoT technology for enhanced agricultural management. Developed as part of an engineering school project, this device is designed to monitor key environmental parameters in greenhouses, including humidity, temperature, CO₂ levels, luminosity, and light spectrum.

These metrics are essential for optimizing crop growth, and data is made accessible through a user-friendly web interface, allowing farmers to make informed decisions in real-time.

Device Overview and Design

The device consists of multiple sensors integrated into a unique design resembling a carrot, with an underground cylindrical stem housing the sensors and a spherical bulb containing the processing unit. Key sensors include a temperature, CO₂, and humidity sensor, an RGB light sensor, soil moisture, and temperature sensors. The innovative setup allows for effective data gathering while keeping the technology self-sufficient.

Carrotech employs LoRaWAN communication protocols, ensuring low-power long-range data transmission, critical for remote monitoring without constant human oversight. The technique enhances the longevity of the device while maintaining its accuracy in data relay.

Power Management and Efficiency

Energy autonomy was a major focus during the design process. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery, supplemented by a small solar panel to ensure continuous operation. The use of a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller allows for low consumption modes and dynamic management of sensor activation based on battery status.

This enables the device to sustain itself under variable solar conditions, addressing a common issue with autonomous IoT devices in agriculture.

Web Interface and Data Handling

The web interface, developed using the Nuxt framework, provides a responsive platform for data visualization. It employs a MySQL database to store sensor data and facilitate real-time information retrieval and display. This modern interface allows greenhouse operators to view critical metrics, enhancing their ability to manage resources more effectively.

Successful Testing and Future Directions

Initial trials confirmed the accuracy of the sensors and the stability of the LoRaWAN transmission, achieving high rates of data delivery even in challenging environments. Future enhancements could include remote firmware updates and machine learning integration for trend analysis.

Overall, Carrotech demonstrates a practical and sustainable solution for modern agriculture, promoting efficiency and smart resource management in greenhouse environments. Its deployment at the Sorbonne Université campus marks a significant step towards greener agriculture practices.

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