By Bhalakatha
Kerala engineer, Prince Mamman, has developed an innovative AI-enabled robot named Gardro, designed to assist in gardening tasks such as weed removal, plant growth tracking, and more. Prince’s inspiration for creating this gardening robot stems from his childhood spent on a vegetable farm in Kollam, Kerala, where he helped his father tend to the crops. This early exposure to farming left a lasting impression on him, nurturing his love for nature and outdoor activities.
Returning to his hometown as an adult, Prince noticed a decline in children engaging with farming and outdoor activities. He lamented the fact that many kids today are more absorbed in video games and social media, missing out on the valuable experiences he cherished during his youth.
Prince firmly believes that nurturing an interest in farming and outdoor pursuits is essential for the future, considering the importance of agriculture in a growing economy. Thus, he embarked on a mission to rekindle children’s curiosity about farming and nature, leading to the creation of Gardro under his company, Freeman Robots.
Trained as a mechatronics engineer at Salem College of Engineering and Technology, Prince’s passion for robotics led him to envision a robot that could revolutionize farming practices in India. His goal was to make the lives of farmers easier and more efficient, ultimately paving the way for robotic farms in the country.
Prince commenced the development of Gardro in 2021 with the intention of encouraging children to embrace gardening, reconnect with nature, and develop a genuine love for it. To bring his invention to the market, he established Freeman Robots.
Gardro is a compact, battery-operated robot designed to keep gardens weed-free. Weighing under 500 grams and measuring 20 cm in length, 12 cm in width, and 10 cm in height, it is equipped with a camera and a mobile application. Users simply charge the robot, place it in their garden, and set boundaries using the mobile app. Gardro can effortlessly maneuver under plants and identify and eliminate weeds.
Moreover, Gardro boasts advanced sensors and algorithms that provide insights into plant health and growth. The robot’s integrated AI can compare images of healthy plants with real-time visuals, offering valuable information about plant health. Users can view live footage from the robot on their mobile devices and even convert it into virtual reality (VR) with a single click. This immersive experience allows users to observe their garden from a magnified perspective, akin to the fictional superhero Ant-Man.
Prince emphasizes that this captivating view can engage children’s interest in gardening. Through interactive displays and companion apps, kids can learn about different plant species, understand their specific requirements, and monitor their garden’s progress.
The product is set to be available for purchase within the next six months, with each Gardro robot priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000. Prince envisions Gardro as a means for seniors to participate in gardening without the physical strain, emphasizing the purposeful and rewarding nature of vegetable gardening.
Building Gardro presented its share of challenges, primarily due to its capital-intensive nature. Prince initially left his job to pursue his dream but ultimately had to return to seek funding for the project. He hopes to secure investors soon to establish a manufacturing unit.
Prince’s ultimate aim with Gardro is to rekindle people’s joy in gardening, just as he experienced it during his childhood. He believes that this robot can help individuals of all age groups de-stress and find enjoyment in gardening. For the younger generation, it offers an opportunity to explore planting various vegetables and fruits conveniently from their homes.
