Low-Cost Solar Powered Real Time AI-Driven Vehicle for Security Applications

Abstract— This paper introduces a practical contribution toward sustainable and autonomous surveillance by introducing a low-cost, solar-powered, AI-enabled robotic vehicle designed for real-time environmental monitoring and security applications. The system demonstrates how intelligent perception, remote communication, and energy autonomy can be integrated into a single, deployable platform. It uses an onboard AI module for real-time object detection and localization, supported by a depth-sensing camera. The vehicle operates independently using solar energy generated by dual 30W panels and stored in lead-acid batteries, managed by an efficient power control system. A lightweight microcontroller coordinates sensor input, motor control, and remote access through a custom web interface. Field trials show reliable performance in detecting targets and navigating varied environments, with power consumption balanced by the solar system's output. This work offers a scalable and eco-friendly solution for applications such as smart agriculture, perimeter surveillance, and ecological monitoring—advancing the use of intelligent robotics in support of global sustainability goals.