Solar Scarecrow Bot

Akash Tejam1, Vera Meriggi1

Abstract—This paper presents the design, development, and
evaluation of a robotic scarecrow equipped with interactive
features. The scarecrow, featuring a pumpkin head, responds to
bird sounds by playing simulated bomb sounds and activating
simultaneously the movements of the head and the arms. The
project aims to find a novel and sustainable solution for pest
deterrence in agricultural settings.
the birds, but for sure this project had also the goal to earn
new skills. To be fair, we had some other motivation
behind this choice: the head had to contain part of the
electrical circuit and through the research, we found that
sharp shape could be perceived by the birds as more
dangerous [4].

Keywords—design, development, robotic scarecrow,

interactive features, pumpkin head, sustainable solution

I. INTRODUCTION
Bird damage to crops is a persistent agricultural problem.
Traditional scarecrows and repellents are not long-lasting.
Therefore, robotics can help to find a sustainable and
promising solution. Our project introduces a robotic scarecrow
design and prototype with interactive features and possibly
weather resistance. In such a climate crisis we want to
prioritize the environmental impact. We aim to contribute to
sustainable, technology-driven bird damage mitigation in
agriculture, emphasizing a balance between effectiveness and
ecological consciousness.
II. DESIGN PROCESS
A. Discover
Our group came up with the idea of developing a robotic
solution for a problem related to the Agri-Tech field.
Therefore, we started to do a literature review of all the
concerns to solve in that area. We came up with the idea of
designing a robotic scarecrow since bird damage to crops is a
persistent agricultural problem [1] and traditional scarecrows
and repellents are not long-lasting [2]. We particularly liked
this idea since we are living in a climate crisis, and we thought
it could be a sustainable solution to our problem as well
because it could have worked through solar panels and is long-
lasting while the repellents must be brand new all the time and
they do have collateral effects on the vegetables [3].
Fig.1: Our Design Scratch
B. Define
Once we had our idea, we started to look at the possible design C. Develop
of a robotic scarecrow. It had to be stuck in the field, so it
We divided between each other the components of our
didn’t have to move its legs to have a more stable base.
design in Fusion360. Once they were done, we tried to
Anyway, it had to scare birds, so we thought about a figure out the allocation of the electrical component. While
movement and sound reaction to their sound. Our initial idea the components were arriving, we changed accordingly the
was to make him move his arms and make him reproduce the design dimensions and characteristics from time to time.
sound of a witch as soon as it could perceive the sound of the Figure 2 is our final CAD.
birds. Maybe because we were inspired by the Halloween
season, we also thought about giving him a pumpkin head.

For the arms movement, we decided to use a mechanism

of three gears like what we studied in the course because
we found it more elegant when was working compared to
the classic up and down that might have been scarier for

1
University of Plymouth, UK, email: akash.tejam@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk
vera.meriggi@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk
 Fig.4: Location of the Servo Motor

Inside the pumpkin head, we set up an electrical system

composed of an Electret Microphone Amplifier MX4466
which detected the bird sound given a code that was
working on high frequency. For this project, we set a
frequency of 500 for the robot to react. We had an SD
card module to store a bomb audio file that was part of
the robot reaction through a speaker and that is when in
the meantime the servo motor was moving the head of the
robot while the DC motor through L911OS H-Bridge
Dual DC Motor Driver Controller Module was moving
the arms. All the components were connected to Arduino
Nano.
Fig. 2: CAD

The second step of our project was to start to think about which
part needed 3d printing and which had to be laser cut. As the
main body, we used a pipe. We 3d printed the head, the base of
the head, the gears, and the base of the body. In comparison, the
arms were laser cut.

Finally, we focused on the coding part. We had a DC motor that

had the aim to move the arms of our robot, so we located it
behind the arms mechanism.

Fig. 5: Flow Chart

D. Deliver
After all the implementation, including changing the
design of the solar panels considering we got a battery to
aliment the circuit which had the solar panels attached,
this is our result:

Fig.3: Location of the DC Motor

Then we had a servo motor that was implemented to

move the head of our robot. The idea behind head
rotation was given by further research which mentioned
that the birds could get more scared by eye contact then
the movement of the arms [5].

Fig. 6: Result
III. IMPLEMENTATION
A. Solar Panels
Compared to the initial idea we modified the prototype based on
the solar panels that we got. Initially, we thought about the solar
panels represented in Fig.2 also because could protect the robot
from the water of the rain. Since we got a battery with solar
panels attached, we modified the prototype accordingly it.
B. Dimensions
We modified several times the dimensions of the different parts
of the body according to the electrical components that we got
from time to time.
C. Sound Detection
As mentioned previously, our first idea was to implement the
sound detection specifically of the birds. Since the time started to
run and was too complex to collect enough data to train the
algorithm, we based the sound detection of our robot on a 500
frequency.
D. Base
To be able to be fully settled we implemented the base of our
robot in the way that it can be fixed and removed through gears.
E. Coding
We set as a showcase 500 frequency at the start of the
reaction as well as 30 seconds of reactions, but these
codes can be modified accordingly.
IV. EXPERIMENTS
A. Methodology
Following the Double Diamond approach we went
through Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver phases.
Our challenge was to develop a robot that could help the
Agri-Tech field by protecting the crops from the birds. It
potentially solves a deeply old problem, since the
traditional scarecrow and repellents are not long-lasting
[2]. We expected to provide a sustainable robotic solution
for this problem. The related limitations were mainly
based on the weather condition resistance and the
duration of the battery compared to the amount of sun that
the solar panels could encapsulate.
Pumpkin head, arms mechanisms, and head and body
bases were 3D printed. On the other hand, laser cutting
was used for the arms. A pipe was used for the main body.
It was an iterative design process since continuous
adjustments in Fusion 360 were executed to
accommodate electronic component sizes seamlessly.
This adaptive design approach ensured a harmonious
integration between aesthetics and functionality.
B. Results
We developed and implemented the electrical circuit,
utilizing Arduino Nano as the central control unit. The
scarecrow demonstrated an effective response to bird
sounds given the recognition of a higher frequency (500),
otherwise it was too sensitive. Finally, the robots started
to react to the bird’s recognition with a bomb audio
response together with the movements of the head and the
arms in line with the intended design.
The 3D-printed and laser-cut components were
assembled meticulously, considering wiring pathways
and clearances for a neat and organized layout.
Rigorous testing affirmed the prototype’s functionality,
with a focus on the responsiveness of the audio-based
deterrent system, the smoothness of arm and head
movements, and overall stability.
C. Discussion
A commitment to iterative refinement played an
important role throughout the implementation. Feedback
from testing phases informed adjustments to optimize
performance and address challenges. For instance,
initially, we set 200 as the high frequency which
determined the response of the robot, but during the
testing, we discovered that the robot was too sensitive, so
we changed it to 500.
V. OVERALL DISCUSSION
The integration of 3D printing and laser cutting showcased the
project’s adaptability and precision. The decision to 3D prints the
pumpkin head, arms mechanism, and base, coupled with laser-
cut structural elements, yielded a visually striking and
functionally robust scarecrow.
The successful implementation of the electrical circuit,
orchestrating response to bird sounds and dynamic movements,
validated the project’s objectives.
The commitment to iterative refinement, evidenced by
continuous adjustments and fine-tuning, resulted in a prototype
that met design expectations but also optimized functionality.
Rigorous testing affirmed the scarecrow’s responsiveness,
stability, and overall effectiveness.
Possible improvements might consist of changing the motor of
the head to a more powerful one that could guarantee a rotation
of the head to 360 degrees instead of 180. In addition to this, a
stronger battery and different solar panels could be substituted for
better resistance to adverse weather conditions and a more
efficient use of the robot. Moreover, it would be possible to train
better the algorithm with data of bird sounds for a more specific
recognition.
Future iterations could involve field testing to further enhance the
scarecrow’s practical utility and address potential considerations.
Moreover, humidity and temperature sensors could be included
to gather real-time data on environmental conditions affecting
crops. Therefore, humidity and temperature sensors could
provide valuable insights into crop’s microclimate, enabling
precise irrigation and climate control.
Furthermore, with an implementation of real-time crop
monitoring system, farmers could access to live data and make
informed decisions remotely. Eventually, a user-friendly
interface or mobile application for farmers could be developed to
let them access to live data from the robot. Automated Decision-
Making Algorithms may help to let the robot make autonomous
decisions based on collected data. Automation allows the robot to
respond quickly to changing environmental conditions,
improving efficiency and effectiveness in crop management.
By implementing IoT technologies could be possible to facilitate
seamless communication between the robot and the centralized
monitoring system.
Finally, a thermal camera could be implemented on the top of the
robot for monitoring the crop. In this way, a comprehensive
surveillance and early detection of movements in crops could be
alimented. In fact, thermal imaging can identify variations in crop
temperature. The thermal camera could be implemented on the
top of the scarecrow robot for continuous monitoring.
The future scope of the Solar Scarecrow Robot project involves
incorporating advanced technologies to enhance its capabilities
in crop monitoring and management. By integrating thermal
cameras, humidity and temperature sensors, real-time monitoring
systems, automated decision-making algorithms, advanced
energy management, and improved communication systems, the
project can contribute significantly to sustainable and efficient
agriculture practices. This expansion aligns with the ongoing
advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and precision
agriculture, making it a valuable endeavour for academic
research and practical implementation in the agricultural sector.
VI. CONCLUSION
In summary, this project has disclosed a novel and
effective solution in the form of a robotic scarecrow.
The seamless integration of 3D printing, laser cutting, and
real gears resulted in a functional prototype that
demonstrated both visual appeal and practical
effectiveness in deterring birds.
The developed electrical circuit showcased effective
responses to bird sounds, highlighting the project’s
success in combining audio processing with precise
mechanical movements.
We found some limitations in the 360-degree movement
of the head, the dimension of the solar panels, and the
power of the battery if we must imagine a real context
trial. Future iterations could delve deeper into real
environment trials to further enhance the scarecrow’s
usability and integration into agricultural practices.
Opportunities for further research lie in exploring
advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, or
enhanced audio processing algorithms to elevate the
scarecrow’s capabilities, for instance, by implementing a
thermal camera that could monitor the crop.
This project serves as a steppingstone in the domain of
technology-driven pest deterrence, contributing valuable
insights into the integration of fabrication techniques and
electrical circuitry. Despite its successes, the project
acknowledges further research and implementation for
better performance in the real environmental context.
In conclusion, the robotic scarecrow represents a
promising innovation in agriculture, offering a
foundation for continued exploration and refinement of
effective management solutions.
REFERENCES
[1] Bruggers, R. L., Rodriguez, E., & Zaccagnini, M. E. (1998).
Planning for bird pest problem resolution: a case study. International
Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 42(2-3), 173-184.
[2] Krol, K., Kao, R., & Hernik, J. (2019). The scarecrow as an
indicator of changes in the cultural heritage of rural
Poland. Sustainability, 11(23), 6857. [3] Isman, M. B. (2006). Botanical
insecticides, deterrents, and repellents in modern agriculture and an
increasingly regulated world. Annu. Rev. Entomol., 51, 45-66.
[4] Janovcová, M., Rádlová, S., Polák, J., Sedláčková, K.,
Peléšková, Š., Žampachová, B., ... & Landová, E. (2019). Human
attitude toward reptiles: A relationship between fear, disgust, and
aesthetic preferences. Animals, 9(5), 238.
[5] Morris, D. (1956). The feather postures of birds and the
problem of the origin of social signals. Behaviour, 9(1), 75-111.
APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Coding

Appendix 2. Showcase video