Indian UAE student develops two prototype robots – ‘AgriBot’ to minimise human labour on farms and ‘MBot’ to help protect marine life

Farmers toiling away in the hot, arid Arab sun seem to have inspired Sainath Manikandan, an Indian student in UAE to develop two prototype robots – ‘AgriBot’ aimed at minimising human labour on farms and the ‘MBot’ to help protect marine life, as reported by an international media agency. Manikandan, who studies at GEMS United Indian School, hopes that his innovation would be implemented on a bigger scale in the UAE.

In an interview with the agency, Manikandan has explained the technical specifications of his marine robot cleaner.

"MBot is a prototype that can remove floating wastes from surface water. It is basically shaped like a boat and can be operated remotely with radio control. It runs with two motors that help the boat move in the water," Manikandan said.

He added that popsicle sticks can be attached to a wheel and then to the third motor to push the waste from the water bodies into the storage basket. Speaking on the application of his robot for waste disposal from water bodies, he added:

"Solar panels can also be used instead of batteries. Although this project could plausibly restore the purity of water, it nevertheless could be the initial step taken forward towards creating a better ecosystem".

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Speaking about how his agriculture robot would automate the farming process while being energy efficient, he said:

"AgriBot performs the elementary functions involved in farming, such as ploughing the field, sowing seeds, and covering the seeds with soil. The robot is autonomous and provides the facility for the optional switching of the ploughing system when required. It is also solar powered and drones could be used to assist and control the seed-planting process on farms."

Apart from being the ambassador of Drop It Youth, Tunza Eco Generation, and an active member of the Emirates Environmental Group, he is also involved in several eco-friendly programmes.

"I have launched my own campaign, PEPC campaign, through which I collect paper, electronic wastes, plastics and cans for recycling," he added.

(With PTI Inputs)