Automatic delivery and recovery system of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) nodes based on UAV for agricultural applications

Abstract In recent times, Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology is widely applied in various agricultural applications. However, when a WSN becomes large and complex, it is difficult to maintain and adjust the whole WSN or multiple WSNs manually. Therefore, we propose an UAV-based scheme for automatic delivery and recovery of WSN nodes in the field. This scheme includes a combination of specially designed UAV, node platforms together with a GNSS-RTK (Global Navigation Satellite System, Real – Time Kinematic) system. A prototype system was built to test the UAV-based scheme. The results and analyses of indoor and outdoor experiments demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of the scheme.