Abstract
Traditional greenhouse cleaning methods are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and inefficient, often compromising light transmittance and productivity. To address these challenges, this study proposes an autonomous robot designed to clean greenhouse roofs efficiently and reliably. The robot features an integrated cleaning system with adjustable brushes, wipers, and water sprinklers, ensuring optimal performance and significantly improving light transmittance. Powered by a 500 W PV system, it utilizes electric wheels for smooth, stable movement and incorporates a replaceable brush-wiper mechanism for enhancing durability and maintenance efficiency. The design process involved SolidWorks modeling for mass properties, CFD simulations with the k-ε turbulence model to evaluate wind load conditions, and ANSYS structural analysis to confirm durability under extreme wind speeds of up to 126 km/h (ten times greater than normal conditions). Structural tested at different robot’s rotational speeds 25 rpm and 50 rpm confirmed optimal performance at 25 rpm, balancing cleaning efficiency and long-term durability. Additionally, the robot incorporates advanced control unit with sensors for autonomous operation, real-time light transmission monitoring, and navigation capabilities, distinguishing it from traditional manual or semi-automated methods. The results demonstrated robust performance in extreme conditions, surpassing existing systems limited to standard weather. The robot’s performance is limited by speed (0.35 m/s), battery life, roof complexity, maintenance, adaptability, and cost, indicating areas for improvement. Future developments will integrate AI for autonomous decision-making, GPS for precise navigation, and a smart cleaning system to optimize performance based on real-time data, further reducing maintenance costs and ensuring optimal greenhouse lighting.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to Eng. Chen Tang of the College of Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University, China, for his assistance.
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Amin, A., Wang, X., Sun, G. et al. Structural analysis and optimization of an autonomous robot designed for greenhouse roof cleaning. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93687-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93687-x
