A Solar Powered Farmer and Guard
As the world's supply of fossil fuel diminishes, the search for new sources of cleaner, renewable energy becomes more frantic. Scientists, researchers, and inventors have scrambled to create devices that can harness the power of the wind, water, ground, and even unlikely substances such as fruits and crops.
One of the energy sources that are being researched on extensively is the sun. Every day, the sun bombards our planet with massive amounts of energy. Yet, we have only harnessed an infinitesimal amount of that energy. Thus, many have joined the race to harness and maximise that solar energy. Among them are students and teachers in universities.
One such group, robotics students from the Louisiana State University, has invented a solar-powered prototype robot that will be very useful in anyone's home. Because it is powered by the sun, its owner would never have to worry about recharging it.
This functional prototype vaguely looks like a large-wheeled lawnmower without a handle. It has the ability to plant seeds and fertilize the plants in a homeowner's property. Fully automated, the robot features a built-in global positioning system that enables it to map out the land and recognise structures so it does not hit them.
Aside from being a trusty farmer, this robot is also an untiring guard. Indeed, the built-in security system is quite impressive. It features a night-vision camera on top of a 360-degree swivel head. It also has a high-frequency alarm system that is loud enough to startle any intruder. The alarm is triggered by an advanced motion detector, which also allows the robot to take a picture of the intruder and send the image to its owner's email.
When this robot does go on the market, it would be a great and useful gadget for the consumer's property.
