Agrobotics and Agricultural Mechanization

Not applicable.

Classes are supported by presentations, professors’ notes, and discussion of case studies.
Small working groups (up to 4 students) will be set up to carry out and report on practical assignments. Whenever justified, practical work will be carried out in the field or in the machinery hangar.

The Curricular Unit of Agrobotics and Mechanization aims to address the technologies innovations associated with optimizing the production of intensive crops, as well as addressing the mechanization in technical, economic, social and environmental terms. For such, it is intended that after teaching the UC students know, select and use automated process control technologies and equipment and that plan and use, rationally, agricultural machinery and equipment.

1. Precision agriculture and automation in agriculture. Mechanization, sensors and control.
2. Climate control and fertigation in greenhouses. Control of production factors in orchards, vegetables and vineyards.
3. Diesel and explosion engines (constitution and operation. Intake, feeding, lubrication, cooling and electrical systems);
4. Tractors and related machinery (tyres, transmission system, steering, brakes, hydraulic system);
5. Sowing and planting, fertilization, phytosanitary and harvesting equipment.

NAO

Atares, P. V. A., Blanca, A. L. (1993) – Tractores e motores agricolas. Ediciones Mundi-Prensa, Madrid, 429 pp.
Briosa, F. (1984) – Glossário ilustrado de mecanização agrícola. Galucho, Sintra, 391 pp.
Santos, F. (1996) – Equipamentos Rurais. Equipamentos de sementeira, plantação e fertilização. Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, 44 pp. 
Zhang, Q., Pierce, F. J. (2013) – Agricultural Automation: fundamentals and practices. CRC Press, New York, 397 pp.