Kazan Federal University (KFU) has made a breakthrough in agrorobotics. Specialists from the Intelligent Robotics Systems Laboratory of ITIS have created an algorithm for a fleet of electric unmanned tractors capable of assessing soil density and optimizing routes in real time. The key innovation is reducing pressure on the soil by replacing heavy machinery with swarms of light (up to 100 kg) autonomous machines.
Currently, fields are often cultivated by huge, heavy tractors. They put pressure on the ground, and it becomes hard, which is called "compaction." For example, if you constantly walk on the lawn, the grass will grow worse. We want to use many small, light tractors, controlled without human intervention, to prevent this from happening.
The algorithm combines three parameters: a soil density map, data on previously cultivated areas, and the location of charging stations.
The technology, presented at the ADOP 2025 conference, uses lidars and soil monitoring sensors. Artificial intelligence predicts zones of potential compaction, redirecting tractors across dynamic field cover. Moreover, they are capable of functioning independently, which reduces the need for labor. And optimizing routes and rational placement of charging points will help reduce energy consumption.
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