Laboratory of Machines and Technologies for Precision Agriculture
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Develop a general understanding of the technological aspects and operational characteristics of computer and electronic systems used in precision agriculture machinery. Deepen knowledge of sensors and data transmission protocols on tractors and operating machines necessary for their automatic adjustment in view of variable rate distribution and operational monitoring.
Expected learning outcomes
Understand the technical functionality of the different components of a farm information system. Acquire critical knowledge and usage of global positioning systems, sensors, and electronic control solutions employed in mechanized crop operations. Ability to use examples of computer platforms to manage, configure, and interface with the main precision agriculture systems adopted in modern tractors and operational machines.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
University teaching module (5 CFU, 80 hours):
1. Precision Agriculture: Definitions and the importance of agricultural mechanization. (2 hours)
2. Farm Information Systems and Introduction to Management Information Technology. (6 hours)
3. GNSS Satellite Positioning Systems: Description, operating principles, receiver selection, differential correction techniques. Application of GNSS Systems in Precision Agriculture. (8 hours)
4. Electronic control systems for tractors and self-propelled equipment: engine ECU, transmission, hydraulic circuit, and auxiliary systems. (15 hours)
5. Assisted and automatic guidance systems for agricultural machinery: operating principles and application criteria. (4 hours)
6. Electronic Control Systems for main implement machines (seeders, fertilizer spreaders, sprayers). (15 hours)
7. Variable Rate Technology (VRT): sensors and actuators used, operating logic. (10 hours)
8. Yield Mapping Systems: operating principles, sensors used, data collected by various systems: examples and analysis. (6 hours)
9. Communication protocols between tractor and implement machines (CANbus and ISObus). (8 hours)
10. Machine telemetry and remote fleet management systems. (4 hours)
11. Introduction to automation and agro-robotics. (2 hours)
Company teaching module (5 CFU, 80 hours):
Technical and practical insights provided by experts and industry companies on the topics relevant to the Laboratory, specifically on market solutions for: automated guidance systems, prescription maps and site-specific distribution, yield mapping, ISObus communication and machine telemetry.
1. Precision Agriculture: Definitions and the importance of agricultural mechanization. (2 hours)
2. Farm Information Systems and Introduction to Management Information Technology. (6 hours)
3. GNSS Satellite Positioning Systems: Description, operating principles, receiver selection, differential correction techniques. Application of GNSS Systems in Precision Agriculture. (8 hours)
4. Electronic control systems for tractors and self-propelled equipment: engine ECU, transmission, hydraulic circuit, and auxiliary systems. (15 hours)
5. Assisted and automatic guidance systems for agricultural machinery: operating principles and application criteria. (4 hours)
6. Electronic Control Systems for main implement machines (seeders, fertilizer spreaders, sprayers). (15 hours)
7. Variable Rate Technology (VRT): sensors and actuators used, operating logic. (10 hours)
8. Yield Mapping Systems: operating principles, sensors used, data collected by various systems: examples and analysis. (6 hours)
9. Communication protocols between tractor and implement machines (CANbus and ISObus). (8 hours)
10. Machine telemetry and remote fleet management systems. (4 hours)
11. Introduction to automation and agro-robotics. (2 hours)
Company teaching module (5 CFU, 80 hours):
Technical and practical insights provided by experts and industry companies on the topics relevant to the Laboratory, specifically on market solutions for: automated guidance systems, prescription maps and site-specific distribution, yield mapping, ISObus communication and machine telemetry.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of agricultural mechanics is required to understand the theoretical and operational aspects of the described machinery and systems.
Teaching methods
The teaching methods include:
a) Lectures
b) Practical exercises in the computer lab
c) Field visits
Please note that attendance is mandatory for the Laboratory sessions.
a) Lectures
b) Practical exercises in the computer lab
c) Field visits
Please note that attendance is mandatory for the Laboratory sessions.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes, scientific articles, and handouts published MyAriel website of the Laboratory.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a presentation aimed to deepen a specific technical problem and describing a solution approach, referencing the technologies observed in the case studies. This is integrated with a multiple-choice question test covering the topics covered in the Laboratory.
The exam mark will be based on:
- theoretical knowledge of the topics of the course;
- practical knowledge of the subject matter of the course:
- ability to speak technical language correlated with the course.
The final mark will be expressed in thirty.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability)
The exam mark will be based on:
- theoretical knowledge of the topics of the course;
- practical knowledge of the subject matter of the course:
- ability to speak technical language correlated with the course.
The final mark will be expressed in thirty.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability)
- University credits: 10
Computer room practicals: 8 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Laboratories: 144 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Laboratories: 144 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment only
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Agricultural Engineering area
Reception:
by appointment
Via Celoria, 2 - ex DIA building (first on the right) - ground floor
Reception:
make an appointment
via Celoria 2 - Building 10: Ingegneria Agraria
Reception:
by appointment only (preferably defined via e-mail)
Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - via Celoria, 2 - 20133 Milano