Design and Development of a Remote Controlled Arecanut Harvesting System

Abstract

Arecanut harvesting is a labor-intensive and hazardous process, particularly in regions with dense plantations. The conventional method of manual plucking is time-consuming, physically demanding, and often results in damage to both the nuts and the trees. This project aims to design and develop a remote-operated arecanut harvester to improve harvesting efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance worker safety. The proposed harvester features an arm with a specialized cutting blade for gentle nut removal and a remote-control system for operator convenience. The harvester's performance was evaluated based on harvesting efficiency, nut damage, and operator safety. The remote-operated arecanut harvester demonstrates the potential to transform the harvesting process, offering significant benefits to farmers, workers, and the industry as a whole. This innovation can contribute to increased productivity, improved product quality, and reduced occupational hazards in the arecanut sector.