A smart cotton module tracking and monitoring system for handling logistics and cover damage

• Published in: Computers and electronics in agriculture 2022-02, Vol.193, p.106620, Article 106620
• Main Authors: Wang, Tianyi, Hardin IV, Robert G., Ward, Jason K., Wanjura, John D., Barnes, Edward M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cotton; Damage; Ginning; GIS; GNSS; GPS; Handling; Loaders; Logistics; Modules; Monitoring; Monitoring systems; Plastic contamination; RFID; Tracking
• ISSN: 0168-1699; 1872-7107
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2021.106620

•A smart system was developed to track the movement and condition of round cotton modules automatically.•The system was installed on both a loader and module truck used for handling modules, but could be used anywhere modules are handled.•Identification and location data can be used to optimize handling operations.•System can be used to identify modules with damaged wrap so gin personnel can take appropriate actions to prevent contamination. Cylindrical modules, also known as round modules, are becoming a more common method of seed cotton storage and transport. Increasing use of cylindrical modules has led to the development of new methods of field staging, transport, and handling at the gin. A low-cost smart cotton module tracking and monitoring system (SCMTM) was developed for recording module tag numbers, equipment location, and images of the modules automatically. The SCMTM system was mounted on a cotton module loader and module truck in a gin yard of Texas. Data was recorded automatically using the SCMTM system and used for analysis of cotton module handling logistics and wrap damage. Route and throughput rates of the loader were calculated, and the time required per module was estimated. The study found that the loader was idle more than 46% of the total working period. Analysis of module images indicated a module wrap damage rate of 4.4% in the studied cases.