Automated Plant Production System
Project
Create an automated, modular system to grow houseplants with minimal human interaction.
- Easy home gardening for any skill level
- System maintains optimal growing conditions
- Less maintenance than hydroponics systems
System
Methods
- An electromagnetic sensor monitors moisture levels and nutrient concentration
- The control unit pumps in calculated volumes of water and nutrient solution to bring the growth media to optimal levels
- Light exposure is controlled on a daily schedule
- All system parameters are reconfigurable by the user
- One control unit can support up to five plant containers
Conclusion
Project has been evaluated as successful because:
- Moisture and nutrient levels successfully kept within 1% of target values
- System runs 24/7 without human interaction
- Plants are alive!
Further development goals:
- Lower costs with more integrated/custom components
- Optimize container shape and growth media
