The Smart Systems Research Group, out of the Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship Unit at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) led by Dr Nadine Sangster, is committed to research in the area of intelligent decision using AI in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing.  We have a specific thrust towards using technology in the agricultural sector as we would like our work to influence the local situation.  The group currently comprises the Lead Researcher, M.Phil. and Ph.D. students at UTT. 

A few projects:

Dr Nadine Sangster

1. Solar Powered Smart Irrigation - This work looks at using solar power for an irrigation system.  The irrigation system uses sensors for input to the smart (using fuzzy logic) decision making system.  The intent is to slowly introduce the technologies to local farmers starting from simple sensors.
2. Smart Sensors for Agriculture - This project is tied to the first where the aim is to look for low cost solutions for local farmers.

Mr. Richard Ali (Ph.D. candidate)

To design a decision support system, using Neuro-Fuzzy Logic, for equitable water allocation.  The local water authority uses scheduling for water distribution.  This work looks at using fuzzy logic to develop the schedule and eventually using it for developing the decision-making system and even to train operators at the Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA).  The student works at WASA.

Mr. Shazeer Mohammed

1. Design of a Fuzzy Supervisory Control System for a Binary Distillation Column. This work was done by an M.Sc. student who worked at a chemical plant and saw the opportunity to apply fuzzy logic to the control system design for a distillation column.
2. An automated cocoa drying house for use in a small developing country.

Mr. Ryan Bedase (M.Phil. candidate)

Maximum power point tracking through the use of AI. This work builds on previous work done which focussed on solar power panel efficiency.  This takes it a step further to using a neuro fuzzy system for positioning the panel for maximum power collection

Mr. David Edwards (M.Phil. candidate)

Magnetic Circuits

Photos

Dr. Sangster's visit was out of a funded LACREG project looking at irrigation technologies in developed countries for possible transfer to Trinidad and Tobago.

Irrigation project at Waterloo, Trinidad, growing cauliflower using a semi-automated irrigation system.

On the left is a picture of the traditional cocoa drying houses; on the right is the proposed design for automation.

We hope that the work of the Group will impact positively on the local landscape and that its reach may extend to an international platform as well.   The Smart Systems Research Group at UTT are passionate about the work that being done and are very interested in collaborating with other researchers.  If you would like to join us, please email Dr Sangster at nadine.sangster@utt.edu.tt.  I may be found at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nadine_Sangster.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts are being focused on developing remote monitoring apps for the local agricultural industry.