Unmanned Coconut Tree Climbing Machine with Improved Gripping Using Gecko Technology

Climbing coconut trees is a physically demanding and hazardous task, traditionally performed by skilled workers who rely solely on their hands and feet, often without any safety gear. This manual approach not only endangers the climbers but also limits the efficiency of coconut harvesting. To address these issues, this work introduces a conceptual design for a coconut tree climbing system that leverages a linear actuator mechanism to improve safety and productivity. The proposed system features a lightweight, portable frame equipped with a linear actuator that extends and retracts a specialized attachment designed to securely grip the tree trunk. The system operates on two primary mechanisms: gripping and climbing. The gripping mechanism is improved by using gecko technology. The Van der Waals force, which is applied between the sticky surface and the micro-synthetic gecko, allows the synthetic gecko foot hair to perform its adhesive function. The use of a linear actuator mechanism in the climber enhances safety, boosts harvesting efficiency, and reduces labor costs. Its portability and ease of use make it suitable for deployment across various coconut plantations. This technology is especially useful in places where manual climbing methods are still practiced and coconut farming is prevalent. The device allows remote operation by a person stationed on the ground. In this paper, we design a low-cost coconut tree climbing prototype and use MATLAB Simulink to evaluate its performance.