Autonomous Sensor Carrier Navigation via Embedded Track Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current horticultural operations face a cost-effective challenge in instrumenting grow operations with sensors due to the high expense of high-fidelity cameras and sensors, making it impractical to install them for each plant, especially as operations increase in complexity and scale.
Innovation Solution
Implementing autonomous robotic carriers that house high-fidelity cameras and sensors, which collect telemetry and move along a track system within greenhouses, allowing for efficient imaging and sensing of multiple plants without the need for individual sensor installations, utilizing wireless communication, positioning feedback, emergency cutoffs, and power management to ensure autonomous operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-fidelity cameras and sensors are installed for each plant, then measurement precision and data quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into mobile carrier units that travel along tracks, rather than having static sensors at every plant location. Each carrier segment contains sensors that serve multiple plants sequentially as the carrier moves through the greenhouse.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous carrier serves multiple plants with the same sensor suite, making the sensors universal rather than dedicated to single plants. The carrier can visit different plant locations and perform imaging and sensing functions across the entire greenhouse area.
2Measurement precision
If high-fidelity cameras and sensors are installed for each plant, then data quality is improved, but cost increases making it impractical for large-scale operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor functions are merged into single mobile carrier units. Instead of having separate sensor installations at each plant, the carriers combine cameras, environmental sensors, and navigation systems into unified mobile platforms that serve multiple plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous carriers perform their own navigation, positioning, and data collection without requiring manual intervention at each plant. The self-propelled carriers autonomously travel along tracks, position themselves relative to plants, and collect telemetry data independently.
3Productivity
If autonomous carriers are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carriers use beam-break sensors and positioning feedback systems to continuously monitor their location and status. The system provides real-time feedback on carrier position, track status, and environmental conditions, enabling autonomous navigation and safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes emergency cutoff switches and safety mechanisms that can stop carrier operation before hazards develop. Beam-break sensors detect potential collisions or track obstructions in advance, triggering preliminary safety responses.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for a sensor carrier, and intelligent track infrastructure for the navigation and operation of the sensor carrier are described. The sensor carrier is an autonomous robot navigating a track. The carrier holds cameras and other sensors to receive horticultural images and telemetry for plants in a grow operation. The carrier reads embedded signals in the track including Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tags, embedded positioning magnets, and drilled hole patterns for a beam breaking system to determine navigation and operation. For tracks placed at sharp angles, a transfer station with wall guards to prevent the carrier from falling enable safe transfers from different track segments. Additional features include an emergency stop (e-stop) switch and power management for autonomous sensor carriers.