MINDS-i Autonomous Self-Driving Farming (45 Hour)

STEM Education
Precision Agriculture
STEM Curriculum & Labs
MCK-AFTR-BLU / RED / ORN / GRN
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Classroom-ready autonomous farming lab with RTK base station and self-driving tractor

The MINDS-i Autonomous Self-Driving Farming Lab gives students hands-on experience with autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, robotics, and applied STEM learning. Built around a GPS-enabled self-driving tractor, the 45-hour lab helps students explore electromechanical systems, programming, navigation, control systems, and real-world agricultural automation.

Designed for a small group of 2–4 students, the lab progresses from autonomous vehicle fundamentals through localization, communications, electrical engineering, systems thinking, and culminating automated farming projects.

Why Bring Autonomous Farming into the Classroom?

Agriculture is becoming more connected, automated, and data-driven. Students preparing for careers in agriculture, engineering, robotics, and technical fields benefit from seeing how automation, positioning, sensors, and control systems work together in real applications.

  • Introduce autonomous vehicle concepts through an agricultural platform
  • Explore GPS navigation, control systems, sensors, and programming
  • Connect robotics and automation to precision agriculture
  • Develop teamwork, troubleshooting, and systems-thinking skills
  • Apply STEM concepts to modern agricultural technology

The self-driving tractor platform allows students to build, program, test, and troubleshoot autonomous operations. Students investigate how sensors, encoders, communications, positioning data, and control systems work together to navigate a defined route.

  • GPS and Compass for navigation and positioning
  • Brushless Motor for motion and drive control
  • Encoder for tracking movement and control feedback
  • Dashboard for system monitoring and management
  • Controller for vehicle operation and programming
  • RC Control for manual operation and testing

The Autonomous Self-Driving Farming Lab can be expanded with additional MINDS-i precision agriculture systems, allowing students to investigate more advanced applications as their skills develop.

  • Sprayer Trailer – Explore programmable spraying, adjustable application rates, and automated implement control.
  • RTK Base Station – Introduce high-accuracy GNSS positioning and corrected navigation.
  • Project Trailer – Give students a platform for developing and testing their own precision agriculture projects and implements.

This lab provides approximately 45 hours of curriculum and is designed for groups of 2–4 students.

Curriculum Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles

  1. Student Performance
  2. What is an Autonomous Vehicle?

Unit 2: Autonomous Self-Driving Tractor

  1. Self-Driving Tractors: Levels of Autonomy
  2. Current and Future Agricultural Use Cases

Unit 3: Autonomous Tractor Technologies

  1. Localization
    1. GPS Navigation
    2. Inertial Measurement Unit (Gyro, Accelerometer, Compass)
    3. Encoder and Cruise Control
    4. Localization and Cross-Track Error
  2. Communication and Control
    1. Control Systems
    2. Object Detection & Avoidance

Unit 4: Electrical Engineering & Energy Transfer

  1. Energy Types & Transfer
  2. Electric Motors
    1. How They Work & Benefits
  3. Batteries
    1. Usage, Maintenance & Technologies

Unit 5: Applied Systems Thinking

  1. Inputs, Outputs & Constraints
  2. Interrelationship Diagrams

Unit 6: Culminating Projects – Automated Farming

  1. Ground Preparation
  2. Planting
  3. Fertilizing
  4. Watering
  5. Harvesting
  • Open-source software with Windows, macOS, and Linux compatibility
  • Graphical user interface
  • Save and load GPS paths
  • Navigate routes with up to 100 waypoints
  • Live vehicle location tracking
  • Wireless system adjustments
  • Graph latitude, longitude, heading, pitch, roll, ground speed, voltage, amperage, and altitude
  • Telemetry logging and inclinometer gauges

Main Components

  • Qty. 1 – Tractor Kit
  • Qty. 1 – RC Transmitter with Receiver

Tractor Lab Accessory Bag

  • Qty. 4 – Safety Glasses
  • Qty. 1 – Digital Multimeter
  • Qty. 1 – Extra Battery
  • Qty. 2 – Extra MINDS-i Tools
  • Qty. 1 – 1/16" Hex Driver
  • Qty. 1 – 3/32" Hex Driver
  • Qty. 1 – LiPo Battery Charger
  • Qty. 1 – LiPo Battery Charging Bag
  • Qty. 1 – Storage Bin
  • Qty. 1 – Printed Instruction Book

Component colors and models may vary.

Connect robotics, autonomous navigation, positioning technology, and programming to real-world applications in modern agriculture.

More Information

Ideal For

  • Agricultural education programs
  • STEM and robotics labs
  • CTE and career pathway programs
  • Project-based engineering instruction
  • Programs introducing students to autonomous systems and precision agriculture

Component colors and models may vary.

Manufacturer: 
MINDS-i Education

Request Information

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