GOALS

The proposal aims to gain insight on the substrates on which to grow plants, mushrooms, etc., inside the modular farming pods. To investigate this, we are exploring 3D printed structures. These are printed in bio-inks, with a reliance on learning control to achieve particular structural characteristics.

APPROACH

• Utilize model predictive controls with closed loop visual feedback, variable pressure regulation, and optimized deposition speed/pose using a 6 degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator.
• Iterative improvement of structures using data collected from previous trials

RESEARCHERS

PI: Francesco Borrelli, GSR: Tony Zheng

This work is supported by the USDA/NSF AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS) through the AFRI Competitive Grant no. 2020-67021-32855/project accession no. 1024262 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.