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Volta: Andean agricultural Tool

Industrial Design Program - Faculty of Art and Design

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

EXHIBITOR  |  GLOBAL GRAD SHOW 2019

Dubai Design Week  | Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Project

Case study

Agricultural tool

Industrial design PUCP 2018

Responsibilities

Research, Ideation, sketching, prototyping, product design, user testing, final product presentation.

Team

industrial designers

Mechanical and electronic engineers

Final project

As a culmination of the Industrial Design specialization at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, the students were tasked with proposing innovative solutions in the realm of agriculture in the Peruvian Andes.

Our team specifically concentrated on identifying means to alleviate the physical strain associated with this activity, with a particular emphasis on addressing the challenges faced by numerous small-scale farmers.

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Ayacucho, Peru

Transport
The primary challenge in the task was associated with the transportation between farmers' residences and the agricultural plots where they work.

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Users pain

Challenging terrain

We confront the current limitations posed by the steep topography. The vertical nature of the terrain, coupled with transportation challenges and low profitability, renders the use of specialized machinery or automation impractical for agricultural processes in the Andes. As a result, cultivation and harvesting are predominantly carried out manually, utilizing traditional and outdated tools.

Elderly users

We acknowledge that the labor force predominantly consists of elderly men and women. The exodus of younger individuals to more lucrative fields such as mining poses a threat to the sustainability of agricultural activities in the area. Addressing the unique needs and capabilities of these elderly users becomes crucial for the success and longevity of agricultural practices.

The product

Volta is engineered to cover an area four times larger than conventional tools, and it excels in breaking compacted soil with minimal effort.

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 Disassembled and lightweight 

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 Final prototype 

We conceived VOLTA as a fully detachable tool, featuring a solar-powered device that serves dual purposes as a flashlight or a USB charger. This additional functionality enhances user safety and communication during their commute to and from the work area, particularly in emergency situations.

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 Flashlight & portable charger 

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this tool also simplifies body movements, replacing aggressive actions with more user-friendly alternatives.

Subsequently, we constructed and delivered a functional prototype. This prototype underwent rigorous testing by farmers in the community, and it has seamlessly integrated into their array of work tools.

  Global Grad Show Dubai 2019 

Our project earned the distinction of being selected for presentation at the Global Grad Show 2019 in Dubai as part of Dubai Design Week. The experience proved invaluable as we had the opportunity to represent our country and alma mater. Sharing a space with graduates from diverse schools and universities worldwide added a unique dimension to our journey.

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