Technologies
9 October 2024
ROS system for robot movement
Have you ever wondered how robots manage to move intelligently, making their own decisions? Let's delve into this robotic capability by exploring ROS.
Autonomous navigation systems or AGVs, for its acronym in English, are increasingly implemented in different sectors of the industry or field, such as the agricultural sector. These vehicles have the ability to perform agricultural tasks automatically, which produce a benefit in productivity and efficiency.
What is an AGV?
An AGV, automatically guided vehicle or Automated Guided Vehicle, is an autonomous vehicle that is used in a variety of industrial processes to move goods before, during or after the manufacturing process, or perform other types of functions such as planting in a field. These vehicles are usually introduced into controlled environments and use sensors such as lasers or cameras to avoid obstacles, such as the workers in the factory itself. There are also AGVs that work by wire-guided. These are guided by following a line marked on the ground. In addition, AGVs are an important part of logistics and production in today’s industry.
Necessary equipment for the proper functioning of an AGV in the agricultural sector
To use an AGV in an agricultural environment, a series of characteristics are required:
Perception system
An agricultural AGV needs to be equipped with sensors that perceive the environment such as lasers, LiDars, cameras, proximity sensors or ultrasound. These types of sensors help the vehicle to make decisions, detect obstacles or recognize crops.
Positioning and navigation system
Agricultural AGVs need a precise positioning system to navigate autonomously. This is achieved by introducing a global positioning system such as GPS, an inertial navigation system such as an IMU into the vehicle, or by equipping the vehicle with SLAM systems, systems that simultaneously provide robot localization and environment mapping.
Vehicle
The AGV vehicle itself must be configured according to the requirements or the agricultural application that it will perform. It must have actuators for the autonomous movement of the vehicle and interaction with the environment.
Control software
Control software is required to be able to program the routes that we want the robot to take, as well as to establish a specific task in a certain place or take decisions in real time.
Benefits of AGVs in the agricultural sector
The use of AGVs in the agricultural sector provides the following benefits:
Labor cost reduction
AGVs can carry out repetitive manual tasks autonomously, allowing farmers to optimize the use of their time and workforce.
Increased efficiency
Agricultural AGVs perform tasks continuously, without the need to rest and without getting fatigued. Therefore, an acceleration in agricultural processes is achieved.
Logistics optimization
AGVs transport and move products precisely and efficiently. This reduces bottlenecks or wait times. In addition, agricultural AGVs can continue to perform tasks regardless of the terrain or weather.
Accuracy improvement
Agricultural AGVs are equipped with sensors and vision technologies that allow them to detect and collect information about crops and their environment. Thanks to this, greater precision is achieved in processes such as harvesting or sowing.
Applications of AGVs in the agricultural sector
AGVs in the agricultural sector have the following applications:
Crop transportation
Agricultural AGVs can transport agricultural product from the field to the place of processing or storage.
Planting and sowing
AGVs can be equipped with specialized tools to plant in the right place and depth, also thanks to their precise location.
Harvest
AGVs can be equipped with computer vision systems that determine if a fruit is ripe or not and can be harvested.
Crop monitoring
The AGVs are used to carry out regular inspections of the crops, since they are equipped with sensors that inform us of the temperature, humidity or the state of the plant. With this information, agricultural management is optimized or decisions about fertilization or irrigation are made.
Do you want to apply an agricultural AGV in any of your Projects? Contact us!
