<![CDATA[Purpose – This study aimed to develop and evaluate an ESP32-based motor-balancing prototype for Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) transportation using crawler and loader wheel modes to address inefficiencies in manual FFB transportation on uneven plantation terrains.Methods – A prototype development approach was employed, consisting of problem identification, system requirement analysis, mechanical and electronic design, component testing, prototype assembly, and performance evaluation. The prototype integrated an ESP32 microcontroller, HC-12 wireless communication modules, an L298N motor driver, DC motors, a power supply system, and a substitute load container. Performance evaluation included basic movement testing, HC-12 wireless communication testing, terrain adaptability testing on simulated muddy and rocky surfaces, and load-carrying testing using substitute loads ranging from 500 to 2000 g.Findings – The developed prototype successfully executed forward, backward, left turn, right turn, and stop commands with a 100% success rate during repeated laboratory testing. Stable wireless communication was maintained up to 20 m using HC-12 modules, while the crawler and loader wheel configurations demonstrated stable mobility on simulated muddy and rocky terrains. The prototype successfully transported substitute loads of up to 1500 g, whereas a 2000 g load exceeded the available motor torque.Research implications – The prototype was evaluated only under laboratory conditions using simulated terrains and substitute loads. Therefore, further validation under actual plantation environments and with real Fresh Fruit Bunches is required before practical deployment.Originality – This study presents a laboratory-scale ESP32-based motor-balancing transportation prototype that integrates HC-12 wireless communication and interchangeable crawler-loader wheel modes into a single platform specifically designed for Fresh Fruit Bunch transportation in oil palm plantations.]]>
