Safe + Reliable - Further Development of a Field Robot

 

Funded by DFFE (2007-2009)

Platform: Autonomous Mechanisation System (AMS)

 

 

This project will build upon recent developments at KU-LIFE and DTU-Elektro of outdoor robots for autonomous field operations. The aim is to develop and add functionality to the robot prototype so that it will behave in a safe, reliable and effective manner under unmanned operation. Safe behavior is crucial if outdoor robots are to become acceptable to public authorities and the public, and attractive to farmers and other users. Our goal is to develop an upgraded field robot which incorporates safety and reliability systems that are close to commercialization.

Specific project objectives are to:

- Specify and identify detailed descriptions of reliable and safe behaviors and strategies under outdoor unmanned conditions, that meet legislative as well as task-determined requirements
- Develop sensor-based perception system for relevant description of the machine's behavior as well as it's environment
- Develop internal generic robot fault handling and decision support routines
- Add hardware and software components to the existing field robot at KU-LIFE and upgrade the user interface and usability routines
- Upgrade user interface and usability routines
- Implement and test the improved robot
- Conduct an economic and technology assessment

Participating partners:

KU-LIFE, DTU-Elektro, HAKO Werke, Agrocom and JUTEK

 

The autonomous tractor with a centered mower.

 

Contact

• Hans W. Griepentrog, KU-LIFE, 
• Mogens Blanke, DTU-Elektro,
• Olaf Heinemann, Hako Werke,
• Jesper Vilander, Agrocom,
• Jørgen Kæhlershøj, Jutek,

Other contributors

KU-LIFE: Dvoralai Wulfsohn, Jon Nielsen, Jesper Resting-Jeppesen, Allan E. Hansen

DTU-Elektro: J. Christian Andersen, Ole Ravn, Nils A. Andersen

Agrocom: Tommy E. Madsen

AgroTech: Hans Henrik Pedersen

Engineering College Aarhus: Henning T. Søgaard