Seleção de Bolsista para Projeto de Pesquisa Nº 060841 – Comedouros Automáticos para Bovinos e Ovinos

Project: Automated feeders for cattle and sheep (Project ID 060841)

About the role

We are seeking three student fellows to work on the physical construction and electro-electronic integration of an automated livestock feeder prototype. The roles are divided into two areas:

Responsibilities

Mechanical Fellow

• Build the physical prototype by transforming CAD models and specifications into real parts
• Validate concepts and identify design flaws that only become apparent during practical implementation
• Perform other activities inherent to the project

Electro-electronic Fellow

• Select and integrate sensors for:
  • Feed level detection (ultrasonic, capacitive)
  • Animal presence detection (infrared, laser)
  • Humidity/temperature monitoring
• Design signal conditioning circuits to process analog sensor signals into precise, noise-resistant digital information suitable for rural environments
• Implement control logic and automation:
  • Select system architecture (microcontroller such as Arduino/ESP32/Raspberry Pi for prototype or PLC for industrial version)
  • Develop firmware/software to control the dosing system based on sensor data (e.g., activate motor when feed level is low and animal is present)
  • Design power circuits (using relays, MOSFET drivers, or contactors) to safely control high-power inductive loads like electric motors
• Integrate communication modules using protocols such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, or cellular (4G/5G) for data transmission
• Develop machine-to-machine (M2M) communication to enable the feeder to send alerts (e.g., "low feed", "motor failure") to a central server or producer's mobile device
• Create a data interface to store and visualize consumption data, enabling data analysis for improved herd management

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled and attending one of the following programs at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria:
  • Technical programs: Electrotechnics, Mechanics, Welding, Electromechanics, Electronics, Industrial Automation
  • Undergraduate programs: Industrial Electronics Technology, Mechanical Manufacturing Technology, Control and Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields
• Must have personal bank account with a bank authorized to receive payments through SIAFI (Integrated Financial Administration System)
• Must not hold any other scholarship, except for Socioeconomic Benefit (BSE) or occasional aid
• Must have updated personal information (email and phone) in UFSM portals
• Must be available for 20 hours per week

Selection Process

• Evaluation of academic transcript
• Individual interview to assess competencies, skills, and relevant experience for the project activities
• Interviews will be held in person at Colégio Técnico Industrial de Santa Maria (CTISM), Building 5C, Room 206, on March 16, 2026 (Monday), from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, on a first-come, first-served basis

Benefits

• Monthly scholarship of R$750.00 from April 1 to December 31, 2026
• Personal accident insurance coverage during scholarship working hours
• Flexible schedule that accommodates academic commitments
• Necessary guidance for performing assigned activities

Schedule

• Application period: March 5–11, 2026
• List of eligible candidates: By March 13, 2026
• Interviews: March 16, 2026
• Final selection results: By March 20, 2026
• Scholarship start date: April 1, 2026
• Weekly commitment: 20 hours

Duties

• Provide accurate information during the selection process
• Fulfill the 20-hour weekly commitment for scholarship activities
• Communicate any absences or intent to withdraw from the scholarship to the coordinator
• Adhere to the established Fellow Activity Plan
• Maintain regular attendance in enrolled courses
• Failure to comply with these duties may result in scholarship cancellation