Name: Heterogeneous autonomous robotic system in viticulture and mariculture
Acronym: HEKTOR
Funding: ESI European Regional Development Fund
Grant Agreement Number: KK.01.1.1.04

Start and end date: 15/03/2020 - 31/03/2023 

Coordinator: University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, LABUST/LARICS
Partners: University of Dubrovnik - Institute for Marine and Coastal Research, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Web page: http://hektor.fer.hr/en/homepage/ 


Abstract

The main objective of the HEKTOR project is to provide a systematic solution for the coordination and cooperation of smart heterogeneous robots/vehicles (marine, land and air) capable of autonomously collaborating and distributing tasks in open unstructured space/waters.

HEKTOR is conceived as a modular and autonomous system, adapted for various missions in viticulture and mariculture with the anticipated possibility of human intervention while performing various work, inspection and intervention tasks.

The purpose of the project in the part of viticulture is to try for the first time in Croatia to incorporate "robotic systems" in the wine-growing technology, especially on extremely steep, demanding terrains where only manual labor has been applied so far.

The purpose of the project in the mariculture discipline is to attempt for the first time in Croatia to include in the process of fish cage farming "robotic systems" for the automated monitoring of fish cages. This job now requires the long work of divers in all, even the harshest of weather conditions. In addition, the obligation of environmental protection and constant monitoring of the status around and below the cage in mariculture necessarily requires measurements of all relevant parameters and sampling from the bottom (sediment) and in the water column. The proposed HEKTOR robotic system will enable these activities to reduce the need for divers, thus increasing the safety of the production process and directly protecting the health of workers.

The results achieved in both of these disciplines would contribute to faster development of sparsely populated areas (island, karst, etc.) and stop population migration while contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection.