Navigation of Autonomous Tractor

Autonomous systems composed of multiple sensors potentially have significant importance in applications while one sensor is not suffice due to interference of signals, limitations in angular range, and malfunctions of sensors in the navigation scheme. Besides the failure of sensors, it is prerequisite to switch the sensor for approaching to the target object from absolute to relative positional sensor. The core work of this contents concerns the coordination and switching of sensors for essential approaching using landmark for agricultural operations. To accomplish the elusive project of multiple sensors-based navigation system, several excellent research works were performed. Notable contributions were done in discrimination and localization of landmark using laser range finder, navigation of tractor to the implement's position using landmark, approaching to the implement composed of multiple-segment, and parking of tractor inside the yard comprising switching of sensors. At the end, the coordinate-based path and automatic coupling of implements in backward movement of autonomous tractor were accomplished using sensors and actuators.

Autorentext

Dr. Tofael Ahamed is an Associate Professor, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan. Prior to this position, Dr. Ahamed worked for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, and Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. He received his PhD from the University of Tsukuba.