Development of a system for monitoring the cutting, loading and transport of sugarcane for fleet management

Abstract

In the production process for obtaining sugarcane subproducts, the costs involved in the operational and agricultural activities represent a large proportion of the final costs. One way of reducing them is to implement new technologies in the agricultural mechanization using a combination of mechanics and electronics. Complementing this, the use of information technology combined with the use of intelligent components can help to improve the performance of machines and equipment. The present proposal aims to develop a monitoring system for the cutting, loading and transport (CLT) of sugarcane. This system will be integrated with the sugar mill’s corporate database, in order to provide ordered and precise information and thus enable better management of the fleet and, consequently, improve efficiency in the field and reduce operational costs. The proposed system will be based around: a) a productivity monitor designed, developed and patented by Unicamp (Simprocana); b) a floating base cutter; c) PIMS-SIG- Transport and Agricultural software for the control and management of the fleets of support trucks and cane transporters; d) Digital Automotive Controllers (DAC) to be installed in trucks and in the farm machines. Items b, c and d are pieces of equipment developed by Enalta company. These systems will be optimized, implemented, integrated and tested in the laboratory and in the field. Enalta will be responsible for the development and commercialization of the proposed system and according to its needs may request technical and scientific support from the following institutions: Agricef, Próxima Software and Sistemas, FeagriUnicamp, LAA-Poli-USP and the Center for Technology and Sugar Cultivation. (AU)