I'm looking at a new project for 2020, I am working together with a company which has developed a 4WD RC-Controlled Hybrid Mulcher for grass cutting work on steep terrain.
The current version of the unit (see video) uses a ruggedized RC controller for the operator.
We are currently looking at implementing an autopilot system - so that the unit will be able to work inside an area (under supervision), but without the need for active steering by the operator.
I was wondering if anybody has already worked on something similar and would be happy to share their ideas and thoughts on this.
I will keep this post updated on the project :-)
www.diesunddas.co.uk
Comments
You'll probably need RTK to get the path accuracy you need. It would be preferable to have an infrastructure system (internet subscription-type service) to save you the hassle of having to survey in each site.
Compass calibration will be a challenge, so pay close attention to getting that working reliably.
Pretty interesting, where can we find more information about it?
Keep us posted!
I was looking a bit on something similar. I think a lot comes down to your end goals. For a simple control ArduRover can work very well, you will be able to do coverage planing etc. with the ground control station software. If you want to take it to the next level then lots of people are using ROS for higher level functionality (obstacle avoidance, sensor integration etc). There is even a package that allows you to communicate with autopilots that is called MavROS: http://wiki.ros.org/mavros.