Self-Driving Tractor Lab

STEM Education
STEM Curriculum & Labs
Item Number: 
MCK-AFTR-BLU/RED/ORN/GRN
Autonomous Self-Driving Farming
Autonomous STEM Tractor
MINDS-i Robotics: Transformative STEM Learning
Innovative Farming Technology with MINDS-i
Empowering Students through STEM Robotics
Exciting Hands-on Learning: MINDS-i Robotics

Take STEM learning to new heights with this cutting-edge GPS–IMU-powered tractor. Students explore programming, electromechanical systems, and autonomous navigation. Students design, build, and program the tractor for ground-based crop evaluation, spraying, spreading, crop monitoring, and other compelling farming-related challenges.

Spark and Sustain Student's Interest in STEM

MINDS-i Robotics engages students in an energizing STEM learning environment with easy-to-build, program, and modify robots. Technologically advanced farm vehicles perform impressive real-world tasks that build excitement for STEM careers. The curriculum encourages collaborative, problem-solving, and the open-source C++, Python, or ROS-compatible programming language fosters endless creativity. With outstanding technical support, teachers are empowered, and students are inspired to build whatever they envision in their “mind’s eye.

Course Design

This lab is a half-semester (45 Hours) designed for 2-4 students.

Curriculum Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles

  1. Student Performance
  2. What is an Autonomous Vehicle

Unit 2: Autonomous Self-Driving Tractor

  1. Self-Driving Tractors; Levels of Autonomy
  2. Self-Driving Tractors; Current and Future Use Cases

Unit 3: Autonomous Tractor Technologies

  1. Self-Driving Tractors; Localization
    1. GPS Navigation
    2. Inertial Measurement Unit (Gyro, Accelerometer, Compass)
    3. Encoder (Cruise Control)
    4. Localization (Cross-Track Error)
  2. Self-Driving Tractors; Communication
    1. Control Systems
    2. Object Detection & Avoidance

Unit 4: Electrical Engineering & Energy Transfer

  1. Energy Types & Transfer
  2. Electric Motors
    1. How They Work & Benefits
  3. Batteries
    1. Usage, Maintenance, Technologies

Unit 5: Applied Systems Thinking

  1. Inputs, Outputs and Constraints
  2. Interrelationship Diagrams

Unit 6: Culminating Projects; Automated Farming

  1. Ground Prep
  2. Planting
  3. Fertilizing
  4. Watering
  5. Harvesting

Minds-i Dashboard Software & Mega 2560 hardware

  • Open Source Software / Windows 10, OS X & Linux Ready, Easy to use Graphical Interface
  • Drag and Drop Installation (w/Radio Driver)
  • Save and Load GPS Paths, Capable of Navigating to 100 Waypoints
  • Live Location Tracking and Wirelessly Adjust Settings
  • Customizable Graphs: Latitude, Longitude, Yaw/Direction, Pitch, Roll, Ground Speed, Voltage, Amperage and Altitude
  • Full Telemetry Logging and Inclinometer Gauges

More Information

Manufacturer: 
MINDS-i Education

Request Information

Resources: 
Related Products: 

UAV Drone Gimbal Rig

MINDS-i Drone Gimbal Rig
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
The MINDS-i Drone Gimbal Rig gives you the ability to pilot the MINDS-i UAV in a safe and controlled environment. The preassembled rig allows you to introduce flight controls and best practices to anyone, regardless of skill level or age. With the Gimbal Rig’s 3-Axis system, you have the full-motion capabilities of the UAV at your fingertips. The MINDS-i Gimbal Rig is an excellent fit in a classroom, trade show, or convention.

MINDS-i Catapult LAB

Educational STEM Lab
Minds-i Engineering Construction System
The Catapult Lab is a great entry point to the MINDS-i system. The provided exercises focus on the creative build process, data collection and the PDSA cycle (Plan, Do, Study, Act) used in the industry for decades, for design engineering, product troubleshooting & problem-solving.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources