The purpose of this page is to record and share the findings of our research project titled “Autonomous Robotic Systems for Precision Weed Control in Flax”, supported by USDA. We are in collaboration with researchers from North Dakota State University to achieve our goals. Our aim is to design and develop autonomous mobile robots equipped with highly efficient spray solutions, to manage weed in flax fields.

This page will be continually updated to reflect current progress.

1. Meet Arthur Lovekin!

   Arthur is a fourth-year undergraduate student, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He has been deeply involved in the development of the robot, from computer-vision-based navigation to hardware design. He spent the summer of 2021 with Yayun Du in the flax fields of Fargo, North Dakota, to conduct experiments and gather data. Through the UCLA SPUR program (Summer Programs for Undergraduate Researchers) and REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates), he was able to get hands-on experience as an undergraduate researcher, which helped him navigate through research and prepare for graduate school. He claims the key to his successful experience was staying self-motivated, which led him to want to learn more. He was able to develop practical skills in ROS, electronics, and computer programing in various languages during the project.