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HydroEden: Smart Farming for a Greener and More Affordable Future

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HBGCC - Posters, Table 20

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Session description

HydroEden, developed by students, is an innovative solution to combat soil infertility and high vegetable costs through automated hydroponic gardens. Using robots for harvesting and an automatic irrigation system facilitates soil-less cultivation, recycles water, and reduces pesticide use, lowering food prices and improving food security.

Outline

-Content and engagement:
The content will focus on presenting HydroEden, a fully functional hydroponic system with robotic automation. Participants will witness the real-time operation of the robot performing its autonomous tasks, such as watering and harvesting, offering a hands-on look at how this technology can be applied in agriculture.

To engage the audience, the system will be demonstrated by students who participated in the National Robotics Olympiad in El Salvador, showcasing their expertise and innovative thinking. The stand is designed to be mounted on windows, simulating how the robot could be implemented in urban environments, such as apartment buildings.

Participants will be actively involved by observing the robot in action and will have the opportunity to ask questions and explore how the system works. The students will lead an interactive, innovative presentation, demonstrating their knowledge and explaining how the technology can contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security.

-Time:
Introduction and Problem Overview (1 minutes):
Brief explanation of the global issue of soil infertility and rising vegetable prices, and how HydroEden addresses these challenges with hydroponic and robotic technology.

Demonstration of the Robot and Hydroponic System (2 minutes):
Live demonstration of the robot performing its autonomous tasks, such as watering and harvesting plants. This will highlight the system’s efficiency and sustainability.
The robot will operate on a stand designed for window mounting, simulating its use in urban environments.

Student Presentation and Innovations (1 minutes):
The students who participated in the National Robotics Olympiad will explain the technical aspects of the project, including how the robot was programmed and integrated into the hydroponic system.
They will also share their experience and insights gained from working on the project.

Q&A and Audience Engagement (1 minute):
Open the floor for a quick round of questions from the audience, allowing participants to clarify any doubts or share their thoughts on potential applications of the system.

-Process:
The audience will watch the real-time operation of the robot and hydroponic system. As the robot performs its tasks, participants will be encouraged to observe and ask questions about the technology in action.
Attendees will be invited to interact with the robot through a mobile device, where they can control certain features (e.g., starting or stopping the watering system) to better understand the system’s automation.

The students, who are winners of the National Robotics Olympiad, will present their insights and explain the technical aspects of the project. Their innovative and youthful approach will create a connection with the audience, engaging them through real-life success stories and practical applications.
Audience members can engage with the students during and after the presentation to ask detailed questions or discuss potential real-world applications of the system.

A brief but impactful Q&A session will encourage attendees to ask about the technology, the process of building the robot, and the benefits of hydroponic farming.
Attendees will also be asked for their input on how they envision this technology being used in their communities, fostering peer-to-peer interaction and idea exchange.

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Supporting research

Reshaping Agriculture with Automation and Robotics – International Journal of Agriculture and Biological Engineering
This journal highlights the increasing role of robotics and automation in transforming agriculture, particularly in urban environments. It supports the HydroEden project’s goal of integrating technology for efficient, sustainable farming solutions.
Link: https://www.ijabe.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/3192

Van Lenteren, Joop – Robotics in Sustainable Agriculture
This paper discusses how robotics is revolutionizing sustainable farming, providing context for the HydroEden project’s focus on urban hydroponic systems and robotic automation in agriculture.
Link: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-25342-6_8

Urban Farming with Hydroponics and Robotics – The Conversation
This article explores how hydroponic systems combined with robotics are becoming a key solution for urban food production, directly aligning with the HydroEden project’s urban agriculture approach.
Link: https://theconversation.com/urban-farming-with-hydroponics-and-robotics-174605

Bonaccorso, F. – Agricultural Robotics: Robotic Automation for Sustainable Farming
This book covers the application of robotics in farming, focusing on how automation can address the global challenges of food security and urban agriculture. It underscores the importance of the HydroEden system in addressing real-world agricultural challenges.
Link: https://www.elsevier.com/books/agricultural-robotics/bonaccorso/978-0-12-812309-2

Hydroponics for Urban Food Security – United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
FAO’s work emphasizes how hydroponics can play a crucial role in sustainable urban farming, making it a relevant resource for understanding the environmental benefits of the HydroEden project.
Link: https://www.fao.org/urban-agriculture/toolkit/en/

Hydroponics: Growing Without Soil – NASA Research
This research outlines NASA’s exploration into hydroponic farming as a sustainable solution for growing food in space, illustrating the potential of the HydroEden system for innovation and sustainability in resource-limited environments.
Link: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19960007383

Robotics and Agriculture: A Growing Partnership – National Geographic
This article provides insight into how robotics is being increasingly used to automate agricultural tasks like harvesting and watering, reinforcing the key functionalities of HydroEden.
Link: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/robotics-and-agriculture-a-growing-partnership

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Presenters

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Highlands International School SS
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Educational Technology Coordinator
Highlands International School San Salva
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Highlands International School San Salvador
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Teacher
Highlands International School
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Teacher
Highlands International School

Session specifications

Topic:

Project-, Problem- and Challenge-Based Learning

TLP:

Yes

Grade level:

PK-12

Audience:

Teacher Development, Teacher, Technology Coach/Trainer

Attendee devices:

Devices not needed

Subject area:

Engineering, Technology Education

ISTE Standards:

For Students:
Innovative Designer
  • Develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.
Global Collaborator
  • Use digital tools to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds recognizing diverse viewpoints and broadening mutual understanding.

TLPs:

Spark Curiosity, Prioritize authentic experiences

Additional detail:

Student presentation
Related exhibitors:
3Doodler