SeedGuard

Inspiration

Drying seeds outdoors can be unpredictable because sudden rain or unfavorable weather can damage seeds that are being prepared for storage or planting. I wanted to create a simple, affordable system that could automatically respond to changing weather conditions without requiring constant human supervision.

What it does

SeedGuard connects an ESP32 Dev Module to a servo-controlled drying platform. It retrieves weather information through an API and analyzes conditions that could threaten the drying process. When unfavorable weather is detected, the ESP32 activates the servo and closes the platform to protect the seeds.

How I built it

I built SeedGuard around an ESP32 Dev Module connected to a servo motor. The ESP32 communicates with a weather API to retrieve current and forecast weather information. My software evaluates the weather conditions and determines whether the drying platform should remain open or close. The servo then physically moves the platform when protection is needed.

Challenges I ran into

One challenge was translating changing weather data into reliable physical actions. I also had to make sure the ESP32 could communicate with the weather API while responding reliably to changing conditions. Designing the system to remain simple while still providing useful automation was another challenge.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I'm proud of turning weather information into a real-world physical response. Instead of simply displaying a weather forecast, SeedGuard uses that information to automatically protect the drying platform. I also built the system around an affordable ESP32 and servo, making the core concept accessible and practical.

What I learned

I learned how to connect an embedded device to an external weather API and use online data to control physical hardware. I also learned more about designing reliable decision-making logic for systems that interact with unpredictable real-world conditions.

What's next for SeedGuard Next, I want to add local environmental sensors, improved weather prediction, manual and remote controls, notifications, and smarter drying recommendations. I also want to test SeedGuard with different crops and real-world drying conditions to improve its reliability and usefulness for farmers.