M-205 Mechatronics
Precision Horticulture Planter
A mechatronics project focused on designing and building an affordable automated planter for precision horticulture. An Arduino microcontroller uses soil-moisture sensors, relay-controlled water pumps, and a proximity-activated manual dispensing station to monitor and regulate irrigation across two independent plant zones.
System Design
Built an Arduino-controlled planter with two independent growing zones, each using an LM393 soil-moisture sensor, a 5V water pump, and a relay module for targeted irrigation.
Control Logic
Programmed real-time analog moisture monitoring and automatic pump activation when readings exceeded the selected dry-soil threshold, helping prevent overwatering and underwatering.
Watering Can Refill
Added a proximity-activated water dispenser that allows supplemental manual watering through a side hose when a hand or object is detected.
Safety and Expansion
Included individual rocker switches to disable each irrigation zone or the dispensing station during maintenance. Planned future improvements include low-power sleep cycles and expanded environmental monitoring.
Precision Horticulture Planter
Photos & figures
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Completed Arduino-based precision horticulture planter system.
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Automated planter components and electrical wiring.
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Soil-moisture sensors and dedicated irrigation pumps.
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Arduino control system and relay-based pump connections.
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Automated planter prototype during system testing.