As part of the TETFair program at Innovate Tech Hub, we developed an agricultural drone designed to deter birds from rice farms in northern Nigeria. This initiative aimed to help academic participants bring their ideas from concept to MVP over the course of a year, and I served as the product manager, heavily involved in the technical development.

Technical Details

The drone was built using a Holybro X2 frame and equipped with a Pixhawk 4 flight controller running ArduPilot. We integrated custom circuitry to allow ArduPilot to automatically trigger sirens mounted on the drone, effectively scaring birds away from the fields. We also 3D-printed custom parts to mount and protect the sirens and other sensitive components.

Training and Deployment

In addition to building the drone, we provided comprehensive training for the participants, teaching them how to operate the drone and utilize it effectively in the field. The drone was successfully tested, and feedback from the field confirmed that it effectively deterred birds, helping to protect crops and improve yields.

Conclusion

This agricultural drone project highlights the innovative use of drone technology in agriculture, providing a practical solution for protecting crops. By integrating ArduPilot and custom-built components, we successfully developed a drone that not only met the project's goals but also empowered participants through hands-on training and field testing.