Autonomous Farm Fleet Coordination for Flexible Work-Step Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coordinating agricultural vehicle fleets are limited to simultaneous operations on a field and rely on a lead vehicle for follower vehicles, restricting flexibility and autonomy in agricultural work processes.
Innovation Solution
A database-driven management system that integrates autonomous agricultural work vehicles into deployment planning, allowing them to perform individual work steps independently and adapt to different agricultural processes, including self-guidance and resource management, without relying on manned vehicles for lead functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lead vehicle is assigned to coordinate follower vehicles in a fleet, then coordination and simultaneous operation on a field is achieved, but flexibility and autonomy of individual vehicles are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fleet coordination function by allowing each vehicle to independently execute assigned work steps without requiring continuous lead-vehicle guidance. Vehicles are divided into independent operational units that can perform their designated tasks autonomously while still being part of the coordinated fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vehicle in the fleet is equipped with the capability to independently perform its assigned work steps without relying on a lead vehicle for real-time coordination. The vehicles self-manage their execution of agricultural workflows, taking autonomy over their operational decisions while maintaining fleet-wide coordination through centralized planning.
2Productivity
If vehicles follow a lead vehicle at a set lateral distance, then coordinated simultaneous operation is achieved, but operational flexibility and adaptability to different agricultural processes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coordination where vehicles can adjust their operational parameters and positioning based on the specific agricultural workflow requirements. Rather than fixed lateral distances and rigid following behavior, vehicles dynamically adapt their positions and operations to match the needs of different agricultural processes while maintaining coordinated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination system is designed to be universal and adaptable to multiple different agricultural workflows. Each vehicle can execute various types of work steps (sowing, spraying, harvesting, etc.) independently, allowing the fleet to adapt to different agricultural processes without being constrained to a single operational mode or requiring reconfiguration of the coordination structure.
3Productivity
If centralized coordination system is used for fleet management, then simultaneous work process execution is achieved, but complexity of deployment planning and coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized coordination system is segmented into modular components that handle specific aspects of fleet management independently. The planning module, coordination module, and monitoring module are separated, allowing each to operate with defined responsibilities. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the overall system by breaking down the coordination task into manageable, independent functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary deployment planning that assigns specific work steps to individual vehicles before execution begins. By pre-planning and pre-assigning tasks based on vehicle capabilities and workflow requirements, the system reduces the complexity of real-time coordination during actual operation, as vehicles independently execute their pre-assigned tasks without requiring complex ongoing adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for deployment planning and coordinating a vehicle fleet comprising a plurality of agricultural work vehicles is disclosed. Different agricultural work processes may be performed on a field with the work vehicles having a work unit for performing at least one of the agricultural work processes. At least one work vehicle of the vehicle fleet is operated autonomously. Further, the database-driven management system may generate the deployment plan. For example, while planning a particular agricultural work process comprising a sequence of work steps, the work vehicles in the vehicle fleet are coordinated with one another by assigning at least one autonomous work vehicle to a respective work step of the agricultural work process with operational parameters being transmitted to the autonomous work vehicle in order to perform the assigned respective work step.