AI-Enabled Smart Egg Incubator Using ESP32-CAM for Automated Environmental Control and Fertility Detection

Abstract

The project presented is for developing an intelligent automatic egg incubator capable of fertility detection to speed up the incubation process by using image processing and the Internet of Things. The system makes use of an XHM452 controller, through which temperature inside the incubator is held at 37.5 °C, while humidity should range between 70 % and 85 %. A 40 W bulb generates the heat, and a DC fan circulates the hot air to maintain a uniform temperature inside the chamber. For humidity, a humidifier with a moisture sensor monitors the water level and automatically sprays or refills water if the humidity falls. For easy monitoring, the values of the moisture sensor are displayed on a LCD display in real time. An automatic egg turning tray, which revolves every three hours with the help of a relay timing module, is used so that the embryo can develop consistently. For fertility detection, an ESP32CAM snaps images of eggs under the light of LED candling from the 7th day to the 10th day of incubation. This image-processing algorithm inspects those photos for fertile and infertile eggs with a high degree of accuracy. All sensors are connected to the ESP32 microcontroller, which monitors and controls the whole system automatically. In this way, automation reduces manual labour, constantly incubates under stipulated conditions, and improves the hatchability rate for the eggs. For the incubator, a uniform environment is created that ensures proper development and healthy growth of the embryo. Besides, it reduces human intervention and errors in operations. It is also cost-effective and reliable, hence suitable for application at small- and medium-sized poultry farms. Experimental testing confirmed that steady temperature and humidity levels were maintained throughout incubation. Repeated trials gave consistent accuracy on fertility detection. Thus, the proposed system is an intelligent, effective, and completely automated solution for modern incubation and fertility detection of eggs.