Modern technology can be harnessed in ways that allow people to collaborate with business intelligently, efficiently and sustainably. An example is the 2D laser scanners, which SICK has applied to crop robots in order to assist a scientific project at Wageningen University and Research Centre.
The problem: how do you navigate agricultural robots through a field? The challenge of this application can be found not only in the wide variety of crops out there, but also in the fact that crop rows are neither completely straight nor all the same width. Wageningen University and Research Centre developed a solution that uses SICK Automation's LMS111 2D laser scanner.
Precision agriculture
Precision agriculture is on the rise, but what does it mean? It is a practice that marks a move away from the model of subjecting every field to a standard treatment and instead takes a semi-tailored approach that considers the requirements of each crop. Custom sowing, fertilisation, pesticide application and disease control have the potential not only to save money, but also reduce impact on the environment.
However, efficiency benefits that precision agriculture brings are unfortunately not yet enough to outweigh the performance of the large, fast farm machinery that save significant amounts of manpower.
Recently, however, a solution to this problem has been introduced in the form of small agricultural robots that are able to work in fields 24 hours a day, slowing down or stopping as the situation demands, and operating almost entirely without human input.
Navigation without GPS
A good navigation system is one of the fundamental requirements for using agricultural robots successfully. The system must be able to account for deviations in the shape and size of crops, crooked rows of differing widths, as well as other irregularities.
Standard GPS systems are not up to the job. For this reason, the Wageningen University and Research Centre developed a navigation process in which robots would instead be guided by a 2D laser scanner from SICK Automation.
The LMS111 2D collects raw data and then filters the information it needs out of this. A range of practical tests were performed during the growing season to check whether the system was functioning as it should. The results proved that it is indeed a viable solution for navigating crop areas cultivated using conventional methods.
Summing up, the Centre's Dr Frits van Evert states: "We have invested a great deal of time and energy in this project. Just recently, our efforts put us in a position to publish our findings in a leading scientific journal. I would therefore like to express my sincere thanks to SICK for providing us with the laser scanner for our research."
The car of the future listens
Sensors & Transducers
The perception of external sounds in cars has been lacking, even in automated driving. That is why Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA is researching the integration of acoustic sensor technology in its KI4BoardNet project with the Hearing Car.
Read more...Telco Sensors for blocked or empty chute detection
Sensors & Transducers
In most industries there is a problem with photoelectric sensors as highly contaminated environments make it difficult to operate and sense reliably. Telco Sensors overcomes this through its powerful high-performance infrared sensors that ensure penetration of harsh pollution to guarantee reliable detection.
Read more...High-performance LineScan camera
Sensors & Transducers
Lynred, a global leader in infrared imaging technologies, has launched its next-generation SWIR LineScan camera and sensor, specifically designed for the inspection of silicon wafers, solar panels and waste management.
Read more...Online monitoring solution optimises asset performance across SKF South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
SKF’s sales, service and management teams has joined forces to deliver an advanced, integrated online monitoring solution for a key customer in Tunisia, operating nine mines, five plants and eleven production lines.
Read more...OMRON launches new non-contact
Sensors & Transducers
OMRON has unveiled its latest innovation in non-contact safety door switches, the D40A-2, which is designed to enhance workplace safety and streamline machinery operations.
Read more...Vibration monitoring in three axes ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. ifm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using but a single device.
Read more...Smart solutions for weighing in hazardous milling zones
Sensors & Transducers
Minebea Intec supplies highly accurate weighing and inspection solutions that enable milling companies to organise their processes safely, efficiently and compliantly - even in hazardous areas.
Read more...Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
Sensors & Transducers
The Endress+Hauser inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission. This is considerably less time consuming than the process of determining total solids content in a laboratory.
Read more...Family of analysers for smart and efficient chlorine measurement ABB South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ABB has launched ChloroStar, a family of sensors, transmitters and accessories for accurate and reliable chlorine measurement and analysis that enable users in the water, wastewater and other industries to control chlorine more efficiently, enhancing treatment and increasing process uptime.
Read more...Leading the way with Level 9 PDS implementation
Sensors & Transducers
Applying a Level 9 Proximity Detection System (PDS) to a mining operation is as much about changes in behaviour as it is about technical solutions, according to Pieter Wolfaardt from Apex, Booyco Electronics’ training partner of choice.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version