Kantu Warmi: An Environmental Monitoring and Thermal Control Device for Protecting Potato Crops in Rural Agricultural Environments

Abstract

This paper presents the design of Kantu Warmi, a device aimed at environmental monitoring and support for thermal control in high-Andean agricultural contexts, focused on potato cultivation in the Puno region. In these areas, sudden temperature drops frequently affect early crop stages, increasing the risk of yield losses and the economic vulnerability of small- and medium-scale farmers. To address this challenge, the proposed system consists of a thermal module capable of measuring and displaying ambient temperature, as well as activating a heat-generation mechanism when conditions fall below crop-specific critical thresholds. The design prioritizes information legibility, resistance to adverse environmental conditions, ground stability, and proper integration within the agricultural plot, enabling direct installation and continuous operation. The applied methodology integrates: (i) contextual research and user characterization, (ii) definition of design requirements and system architecture, and (iii) prototyping and functional validation through tests in controlled environments and field scenarios. Experimental results confirmed the correct response of the sensing system, activation of the thermal element, and user comprehension of the signaling interface. The study concludes that Kantu Warmi constitutes a supportive tool for agricultural decision-making in response to low-temperature events, highlighting the contribution of industrial design to the development of functional, accessible, and context-specific solutions for rural environments.