SmartPlant – An AI-based autonomous tree planting robot for the Aral Sea

Author: Abdullatif, Fergana State Technical University

Fergana State Technical University is implementing advanced projects in the field of energy efficiency and combating climate change in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this activity, an innovative project called “SmartPlant” has been developed. This project involves the creation of an AI-based autonomous tree planting robot aimed at mitigating the consequences of the environmental catastrophe around the Aral Sea, reducing desertification, and expanding green areas.

SmartPlant is an intelligent planting machine controlled by AI systems, powered by renewable energy sources, in particular solar panels. The device automatically plants ready-made seedlings, analyzes the soil condition using sensors, and determines the most optimal places for growth. After each seedling is planted, SmartPlant automatically performs the processes of watering and protecting its surroundings. Thus, it reduces human labor, uses resources efficiently and increases planting accuracy by up to 95%.

The device consists of the following technical components,

Solar panels (200 W) - an independent energy source;
AI module - soil analysis and decision-making system;
GPS and LIDAR - for location determination and obstacle avoidance;
Autonomous wheeled platform - for movement on uneven terrain;
Water-saving drip irrigation system - for each planted seedling.
The SmartPlant project directly contributes to the UN SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The project will serve to ensure climate stability not only in Uzbekistan, but also in the entire Central Asian region by restoring forests in the areas surrounding the Aral Sea.

The project fully corresponds to the “Sustainable Technologies” category of the Tech Briefs: Create the Future Design Contest 2025. Its main goal is to offer humanity an advanced technological solution in the fight against the ecological crisis. SmartPlant creates a new paradigm for the restoration of nature by combining ecology, robotics and artificial intelligence.

This project was submitted to the competition by Abdulatif Abdubannopov Abdulkhaq oglu, assistant professor of the Department of “Transport Engineering” of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Fergana State Technical University. If the project is recognized as the winner of the competition, it is planned to fully develop the SmartPlant prototype, test it in the Aral Sea region and put it into practice together with international partners. SmartPlant is not just a robot, but an intellectual solution for a green future. It will help the Aral Sea become “green” by planting thousands of tree seedlings every year. This is a technological step that demonstrates the environmental responsibility of humanity in practice and aims to create a green planet for future generations.