DIY Autonomous Intelligent drone sprayer - Parts List, Schematics, Build Details

I created an autonomous intelligent ag sprayer drone that identifies and sprays only the wild blackberries (weeds) in my prairie grass. It worked surprisingly well and could be copied for other applications. This video will show you how it's built.
Note - This is version 1 - it works but the system to identify weeds is a bit of a clooge. Version 2 is forthcoming and will use a raspberry pi zero 2 to do onboard image processing and will work much better - I recommend going that route, raspberry pi zero 2's should be back in stock in the summer of 2023.

Tensor Flow code:
Bill of Materials - Drone ($1035 USD as of 2/23, version 2 camera system)
Drone
1 2 pair drone props - $14
This is a huge portion of the total cost, and cheaper pixhawk autopilots and radios exist, but I tried them without much success
adhesive velcro - $5
Sprayer:
5' section of 1/2" PVC, 6 90 degree connectors, 4 T connectors, silicon, 1/4" inside diameter tubing - $25 (tank/landing gear)

Version 1 Camera System -
**NOTE I don't recommend buying version 1. Version 2 will be WAY better and cheaper. Just wait for raspberri pi to be back in stock**

Version 2 Camera System -

[thirtythreeeyes]

Seriously impressive builds man. This channel feels like it's gonna grow quick

[simonarcher]

Hi Nathan, I can only imagine how hard this would have been - very impressive! Let me know if you're keen to collaborate on commercial applications in Australia and New Zealand.

[KshitijMadduri]

Really insightful build! Eagerly waiting for version 2 to understand the optimized camera system

[vivekr]

There is ton of creativity in your projects. Hope you get commercial success soon!

[fredb]

Thank you so much for this video. It explained a lot of things I have been trying to learn about drones/ardupilot/mp. My goal is to create a drone that will fly a cemetery and map all of the grave stones capturing text data and gps coordinates of each.

[kersgames]

You got my sub, you have such nice skills in applying advanced techniques. I think, I can learn a lot of you!!

[raykahn]

Best DIY I have found thus far... ty and bravo!

[walterhartman]

Great job man. I have been wanting to get into image recognition on one of my drones.

[jaylynn]

This is exactly the video I needed one month ago. And I'm only seeing it after it's useless to me. I wanna scream.
Anyways, props on the brilliant idea of making your reservoir your landing gear.

[Which-Way-Out]

Thanks for sharing this really brilliant project (And code !) You have a real talent for creative solutions. Great work Nathan, cheers.

[busyonthefarm]

Really looking forward to your version 2! Keep it up!

[syahrialrasyid]

Thanks a lot, mate. I really need the programming part there!

[joeapache]

Great, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Happy 2024

[MaxR]

Amazing work, thank you for sharing so clearly!

[zarwinvillaro]

this is my capstone project thank you sir, God bless

[dalrob]

Cool stuff. Also could be used to look for lost pets, children, adults, treasure hunting. The code is clean and workable. I already simulated it. Get a printer to make your battery housing, much lighter, than wood, print a rain cover out of super light buterate for the drone. Thanks man, you Rock.

[robertparenton]

Thank You! Excellent Video. From Frisco, TX

[waltermelon]

Man, it's awesome, thank you for your videos!

[mbw]

hey Nathan, I'm a farmer here in Grundy County Iowa. I am wanting to build some things that would allow me to change my cultural practices. I was hoping you might be able to find some time for me to run some things by you to see if they might pique your interest and if not whether you can still steer me in the right direction with autonomy. Regardless, I owe you a thank you for being selfless with your knowledge. You've brought me quite a few steps forward in being able to set a plan into motion.

[hasiblatif]

Bravo. Thanks for the awesome tutorial.