Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Weed management remains a critical challenge in modern agriculture, adversely affecting crop productivity, input-use efficiency, and profitability. Prolonged dependence on chemical herbicides has resulted in herbicide-resistant weeds, environmental contamination, and regulatory constraints, while labour shortages and rising costs limit the effectiveness of manual and semi-mechanical methods. This study presents the design and development of a four-wheel remotely controlled mechanical weeding machine aimed at reducing labour dependency and chemical herbicide use. The system features a four-wheel-drive configuration powered by four 250 W BLDC motors operated through H-bridge motor driver modules, enabling precise speed and directional control. A 2.4GHz radio-frequency transmitter–receiver system is used for remote operation, while a linear actuator allows controlled engagement of the weeding implement. The overall design emphasizes modularity, operational safety, and ease of field serviceability, providing a scalable and sustainable mechanical weed management solution.