Cloud-driven serverless framework for generalised tractor fuel consumption prediction model using machine learning

The fuel consumption model serves as a valuable tool for estimating real-time fuel consumption levels. An accurate fuel consumption model is crucial in providing precise information regarding fuel utilisation and motivating experts to assess the vehicle's economy. The goal of this study was to develop a novel approach by eliminating the measurement of real-time tractor PTO (power take-off) power for fuel consumption prediction and to develop a cloud-infused, server-less, machine learning (ML) based real-time generalised tractor fuel consumption prediction model for any tractor between the power range of 8-48 hp. The fuel consumption prediction models from 18 Machine Learning algorithms were developed, and the extensive data analysis with hyperparameter tuning concluded that the Gradient Boosting Regressor Machine Learning model outperformed the other Machine Learning models with reasonable accuracy (R-2 = 0.999 for training and 0.914 for testing). Cloud-based serverless Web App and Android App integrated with the Gradient Boosting Regressor based fuel consumption prediction model were developed for the real-time fuel consumption prediction and monitoring of a tractor during field operations. The developed Machine Learning model predicted fuel consumption with a Mean Absolute Percentage Error of 11.43% during real-time field experiments with Mouldboard plough operation. The field validation showed the generalisation ability and efficacy of the developed model, and it can be implemented as a user advisory system for real-time energy-efficient agricultural operations.