Category: Machine Control / Agriculture

Free report offered on UAVs in precision agriculture
Numerous factors will impact the economics and logistics of how farmers and growers will use drones in 2016 and beyond, according to a new report offered by the Commercial UAV Expo.

In “Above the Field with UAVs in Precision Agriculture,” author Jeremiah Karpowicz examines factors such as:
- Potential impact of new FAA regulations
- Capabilities created or augmented with new sensor technology
- The best approach to get in the air.
Download this free report, UAVs in Precision Agriculture and discover how UAVs are set to revolutionize this multi-billion market.

Farmers and growers are starting to use UAVs to increase both productivity and profitability with real-time data, to improve decision making in areas such as for crop scouting, nutrient management, field mapping and water drainage.

Visit this page to download the report.
March 31, 2016
Agriculture moving to customized nitrogen fertilization

Photo courtesy of Effigis.

By Yacine Bouroubi
Effigis Chief Scientist, Earth Observation Division

Canadian agriculture has an international reputation for being highly productive and modern. It plays a major role in the country’s economy, and contributes to 8 percent of GDP and 12 percent of jobs.

Everyone involved in Canada’s agricultural sector is aware of the environmental issues associated with farming. To optimize performance and revenue while respecting the environment, for the past few years producers have been counting on a new ally: precision agriculture.

Using technologies such as GPS, auto-guidance, variable rate technology, yield sensors, satellite images and drones, precision agriculture is now part of the day-to-day life of farmers. The application of agricultural inputs based on the four Rs (the right source at the right rate, in the right place at the right time) must be based on scientific knowledge and technical know-how. Such knowledge and know-how are based on reliable, accurate and complete information, which is often necessary on a global scale, but with a rather fine spatial resolution. Satellite images are the ideal tool to provide much of the information required.

The SCAN program extracts agronomic knowledge related to nitrogen fertilization to make more accurate models. (Image: Effigis)

Using Satellite Images. For about 15 years now, sensors on very high spatial resolution (VHR) Earth observation (EO) satellites have been offering a source of data that can provide information on soils and crops at adequate spatial scales (around 2 meters using multispectral imagery) with an unbeatable price/quality ratio. Products derived from satellite images for estimating the quantity of nitrogen fertilization to meet plants’ nutritional requirements are a concrete example of an operational use of this data.

Determining the optimal dose of nitrogen is not easy, since it depends on complex interactions between plants, the soil, weather conditions and management practices. By wanting to avoid performance loss due to nitrogen deficiencies, current practices favor overfertilization, which leads to unnecessary costs as well as serious environmental problems.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada developed a model based on statistical analyses for understanding the direct relationship between the properties that influence nitrogen requirements (soil, growth, weather and management) and the response to nitrogen fertilization, based on a large number of fertilization trials. These relationships were implemented in a system called SCAN (Soil, Crops and Atmosphere for Nitrogen). Satellite imagery acquired at a specific growth stage provides information required for the operation of SCAN.

SCAN includes two major innovations: extracting agronomic knowledge related to nitrogen fertilization and modeling this knowledge in the form of inference rules in a fuzzy logic system. Work is ongoing to advance these two aspects of SCAN and validate it for various agricultural regions, as well as adapt it to various types of crops.

A SCAN web platform will be tested by 100 users starting in the summer of 2016, in anticipation of its commercial use in 2017.

To read Yacine Bouroubi’s full blog, go to www.effigis.com/blog.

March 30, 2016
Septentrio Americas delivers machine control receivers for world’s largest iron ore mine

The Vale S11D mine is the largest iron ore mine in the world.

Vale’s new S11D mine is the largest iron ore project in the world. It will produce more than 90 million tons of iron ore annually when it becomes operational in the second half of 2016. Vale is leveraging technology from Septentrio and other mining companies to implement a highly automated truckless transport system that will substantially reduce fuel consumption and emissions, as well as saving water.

The Vale S11D machine control project is being managed from Septentrio Americas in Torrance, California.

Septentrio GNSS receivers and antennas will be deployed across a range of machines to provide highly accurate and reliable position and orientation. The AsteRx-U receiver family features built-in jamming detection and countermeasures, multipath rejection and fast acquisition.

With more than 500 channels to track all available constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, IRNSS and QZSS), the receivers offer a built-in L-band receiver for PPP corrections as well as centimeter-level RTK positioning accuracy.

The AsteRx-U family also incorporates proprietary Septentrio algorithms, including LOCK+ technology to maintain tracking during heavy vibration from the machine and IONO+ technology to assure the accuracy of the position even in regions of elevated ionospheric activity. The receiver is configurable from any device with a web browser, and includes advanced capabilities such as a built-in spectrum analyzer.

“Septentrio has been a leader in multi-constellation and multi-frequency machine control GNSS receivers for the past decade,” said Neil Vancans, vice president of Septentrio Americas. “The selection of AsteRx-U receivers for Vale’s S11D project is a strong validation of Septentrio’s rugged design and high performance in challenging environmental conditions.”

March 16, 2016
Topcon announces robotic-based system for concrete paving

Topcon Positioning Group is offering a local positioning system (LPS) for concrete paving. The LPS Paving System is designed to provide a stringless paving solution in conditions when GNSS signals are blocked or unavailable.

It uses multiple Topcon PS series robotic total stations — tracking two prisms mounted to the concrete paver — for steering and elevation control.

“This robotic-based system does not encounter sensor outages from bridges and tight paving lanes, including sound walls and active traffic on a mainline project, which could be a problem using GPS,” said Brian Lingobardo, Topcon 3D road construction systems manager.

The LPS system uses the new MC-i4 receiver with LongLink for local communications between the robots.

“Multiple robots can be setup ahead of time for seamless transitions and without the need to stop to switch total stations. Often a contractor needs to minimize stoppage to achieve tight ride specifications on projects such as tollways,” Lingobardo said.

“The robots provide very accurate data to the paver’s control system and in turn the results are very impressive,” said Lingobardo.

March 1, 2016
Leica Ultra locator finds underground utility lines

Leica Geosystems has released the Leica Ultra underground service locating system for site engineers and underground utility specialists who need to trace buried utility lines accurately for safe underground excavations and utility surveys.

The locating systems helps users attain the highest accuracy to avoid costly mistakes, such as cutting utility lines or delaying project schedules during excavation work. By providing a wide range of transmitter mode frequencies, operators in segments such as power, water, gas or telecom can easily and quickly optimize the locator performance in any operating condition.

Users save time and effort by tracing utility depths and distances, Leica said. Multiple utilities in close proximity requiring a combination of adjustments can also be traced efficiently and with confidence.

Clear visualizations of line direction and depth indication are displayed on a large LCD interface. Users can easily interpret signal displays in all light conditions. Bluetooth enables quick connectivity so users can easily transfer data to a GIS data collector.

February 16, 2016
Topcon releases 3D dozer machine control system

Topcon Positioning Group has released a new 3D dozer machine control system — 3D-MC^MAX. The system is driven by dual IMUs (inertial measurement unit) designed to increase on-grade performance where speed and blade response is maximized, while eliminating the need for a mast on the blade.

The system uses Topcon 3D-MC2 technology with the dual IMU sensors and new, unique algorithms to deliver an integrated solution that locates the sensitive GNSS technology safely inside the cab instead of out on the harsh environment of the blade.

“The 3D-MC^MAX is the next generation of dozer grading solutions that redefines the concept of machine control,” said Jamie Williamson, executive vice president and general manager of the Topcon Precision Automation Group. “It provides high-accuracy elevation, slope, and blade rotation sensing in an integrated configuration resulting in maximum speed, maximum control and maximum grading performance.”

The system is designed to let operators work confidently in rough or fine grade applications, slope conditions, and in restricted sight environments without the visual obstruction of masts or risks to hanging cables.

“This advanced system is a result of our clear understanding of how technology is driving the evolution of the construction world, and focusing our improvements on smart algorithms in our firmware and software to increase the productivity of the hardware — a full systems approach,” said Williamson. “The added bonus is a clean integration onto the equipment. Gone is the need for daily installation and removal of antenna, cables, and mast. With 3D-MC^MAX, the operator just climbs on and gets to work — downtime is minimized.”

3D-MC^MAX is available for Caterpillar dozers.

February 16, 2016
Trimble expands machine control system for wheel loaders
Trimble has introduced version 12.81 of its Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System. The new version further expands the mix of machines supported to now include wheel loaders, demonstrating Trimble’s continued commitment to meet the contractor’s needs for construction technology across a mixed fleet and for all phases of the project life cycle.

“Trimble GCS900 version 12.81 means big productivity gains for contractors who operate wheel loaders,” said Ryan Kunisch, marketing director for Trimble’s Civil Engineering and Construction Division. “We have seen up to a 40 percent increase in productivity for material placement and grading activities and typically a 25 percent reduction in undercutting when the GCS900 system is used.”

The new configuration for wheel loaders allows contractors to realize productivity gains in both fine and rough grading applications. Operators can precisely control the amount of material being graded, improve fine grading accuracy and time, and reduce the potential for undercutting the surface during material placement or removal.

Using a wheel loader equipped with GCS900, contractors can track material weight with a Trimble LOADRITE weighing system. In addition, material placement and grade can be monitored by adding a VisionLink Project Monitoring subscription for a more accurate and complete picture of project progress.

Features of GSC900
- Uses two GNSS receivers and solid state angle sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to measure the precise 3D position of the bucket
- Tracks GPS, GLONASS and Galileo signals
- Quickly performs complex tasks and simplify finishing slopes with accurate 3D positioning
February 12, 2016
Trimble advances precision irrigation with uniform application for corner arms

Trimble’s Irrigate-IQ now has “uniform corner,” which allows farmers to apply a consistent amount of water on the area covered by a center-pivot corner arm.

The solution prevents over- or under-watering through a uniform application, which can reduce crop stress, promote better nutrient absorption due to reduced run off and leaching, and ultimately improve crop quality and yield. In addition, it enables farmers to optimize water use. This can be beneficial for farmers located in areas with limited water resources or with water restrictions.

Irrigate-IQ uniform corner uses advanced algorithms that enable consistent water application regardless of the position of the corner arm. Whether the corner arm is starting to extend, fully extended, or folding back, Irrigate-IQ uniform corner minimizes the risk of overlaps or gaps in application.

Because it controls each individual nozzle based on the desired application depth and the position of the corner arm, uniform corner provides the highest level of accuracy to achieve maximum uniformity across the entire area covered by the corner arm. In addition, Irrigate-IQ uniform corner works with multiple brands of corner arm equipment.

“Most farmers invest in a corner arm system in order to extend their irrigable land. However, typical systems do not provide consistent watering,” said Neil Douglas, Irrigate-IQ market manager for Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “This means they are not optimizing their water resources, and potentially damaging their crop and reducing yield by over- or under-watering it. Irrigate-IQ uniform corner allows farmers to extend the capabilities of their current corner arm through consistent water application to achieve the greatest return on their investment.”

Farmers can set the field depth and let the corner arm run, or they can add Irrigate-IQ monitor and control so they can remotely manage their whole pivot. For farmers who choose to add monitor and control, they can use the Connected Farm Irrigate app to remotely keep track of pivot status, or to turn their pivot on or off or change its direction.

Irrigate-IQ uniform corner is expected to be available worldwide in the first quarter of 2016.

February 10, 2016
New CEVA Dragonfly platform designed for M2M systems

CEVA Inc. has introduced the Dragonfly reference platform to accelerate the design of low-data-rate machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) communication applications, including standalone wearables, smart grid, surveillance systems, asset tracking, remote monitoring systems, connected cars and smart utilities.

The Dragonfly multifunction platform is enabled by the recently announced CEVA-XC5 and CEVA-XC8 digital signal processor (DSP) cores and accompanied by the hardware and software components required to rapidly design machine-type communications (MTC) systems.

The platform supports GPS, Wi-Fi and other IoT-related communications standard set to be deployed for M2M communication as well as existing and emerging LTE MTC releases and LPWAN standards such as LoRa, SiGFox and Ingenu. LTE MTC — LTE Advanced for machine-type communications — significantly increases battery life, reduces device complexity, and enhances coverage for low data rate machine-type communications.

At Mobile World Congress 2016, CEVA will demonstrate the Dragonfly reference platform running LTE Cat-0 and GPS concurrently on its silicon-based development platform together with test and measurement equipment from Keysight Technologies and a GNSS simulator from Galileo Satellite Navigation. Mobile World Congress takes place in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 22-25. CEVA is located in Hall 6, Stand A50.

Dragonfly offers system developers a flexible platform that allows for optimal hardware/software system partitioning, combining a low-power vector communication DSP with a range of hardware co-processors. Such partitioning enables the software flexibility essential for upgradability and long service life of typical M2M devices, while delivering the power efficiency required to support extended battery life of up to 10 years.

As an example, for CEVA licensees developing M2M systems incorporating LTE Cat-1 or Cat-0 today, these systems can be easily upgraded to support LTE Cat-M or other future standards when available. The DSP can also be used to implement proprietary features for specific device use cases, such as seamless indoor and outdoor positioning concurrently with Wi-Fi 802.11n or LTE Cat-0, in a highly efficient manner.

“Our Dragonfly reference platform brings together all of the essential hardware, software and system integration components required by customers developing low-power machine-type communication solutions, in a highly cost and power efficient manner,” said Michael Boukaya, vice president and general manager, Wireless Business Unit at CEVA. “We have leveraged our deep expertise in low-power baseband processing and complemented it with a range of software offerings to deliver a platform that is highly customizable and flexible for developing a broad range of IoT and M2M products, quickly and efficiently.”

The Dragonfly reference platform includes the vector communications DSP and all the required co-processors and interfaces, together with software application layers and libraries, RTOS and drivers for MTC systems design. These hardware and software components are available for LTE MTC, Wi-Fi and GNSS standards. Also included is a 500-MHz silicon-based development system that includes all of these components together with RF front ends and a host interface.

February 9, 2016
Trimble, Mapshots integrate agriculture software

MapShots and Trimble have integrated MapShots AgStudio software platform with Trimble’s Connected Farm.

AgStudio can now read as-applied maps and production data from Connected Farm. Previously, AgStudio software users could only read harvest data from Connected Farm.

Users with current subscriptions to AgStudio software are able to communicate seamlessly with Trimble field devices and wirelessly transfer field data, as-applied maps and production data from planters, spreaders and sprayers as well as combines for harvest data.

The recent integration taps into the new Trimble Connected Farm file transfer API, which provides data sharing access with the Connected Farm solution, and offers AgStudio software users more flexibility in importing data from an even wider variety of company systems.

“This integration with Trimble’s Connected Farm solution allows our customers greater access to information that streamlines production management,” said Ted Macy, vice president of operations at MapShots. “Whether it’s variable rate seeding, variable rate fertility, or managing harvest data, AgStudio software users now can import even more valuable information and make decisions based on activities carried out by Trimble guidance and steering systems.”

Trimble’s Connected Farm solution combines industry-leading hardware and software to increase efficiency and enable better decision making. Together, the two companies allow agricultural providers to better manage production data.

“The integration with MapShots AgStudio software fits into Trimble’s Connected Farm strategy to provide growers a more complete picture of their field activities while allowing them a choice of software tools to analyze data and make production decisions,” said Pierre-Andre Rebeyrat, strategic marketing director of Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “We are excited to welcome MapShots to the growing list of companies that have taken advantage of the Connected Farm file transfer API.”
For further information, users can contact their regional MapShots sales representative at 678-513-6093 or e-mail MapShots at [email protected].

February 8, 2016
Topcon launches new machine-control system for dozers

Topcon Positioning Group has released an indicate dozer machine control system — the i-53. The new system comes with the latest Topcon GNSS receiver, a graphical user interface and machine-control software designed to deliver a versatile indicate dozer system at an economical price.

The system expands the Topcon dozer indicate product line by offering a single-GNSS-plus-slope sensor designed for complete control of elevation and slope.

“The i-53 features the Topcon GX-55 control box with audible grade reference alarms and visual LED lights, as well as the new MC-i4 GNSS receiver,” said Kris Maas, director of construction product management. “With safety and work efficiency in mind, the bright screen and grade guidance features deliver the highest quality graphical experience for modern machine control.

“The communication of the machine is handled by the innovative MC-i4 GNSS receiver that allows various radio configurations in one receiver for the Sitelink3D site management solution and/or network corrections,” Maas said.

“Topcon continually strives to provide the greatest value indicate systems in the market. Now by utilizing slope sensors in an indicate system — we are able to greatly improve the blade’s cutting edge position and angle — which advances the grading capabilities of the dozer,” Maas said.

Additional features include integrated virus protection and easy-access USB ports for saving and downloading job files.

The Topcon i-53 machine-control system.

February 1, 2016
Eos Positioning announces RTK NTRIP app for Android

Google Maps is tightly integrated with the app to display the user’s location anywhere in the world, and detailed satellite information includes a skyplot tracking each visible satellite.

Eos Positioning Systems has introduced a comprehensive RTK NTRIP app for Android that works with its Arrow line of RTK GNSS receivers. An Arrow GNSS receiver combined with the NTRIP app turns an Android smartphone or tablet into a powerful data collector capable of recording 1-centimeter accurate GIS data in real-time.

“We designed Eos Tools Pro for the RTK user,” said Chief Technology Officer Jean-Yves Lauture. ”It is, by far, the most comprehensive NTRIP app for Android on the market today, turning smartphones and inexpensive Android tablets into powerful high-precision GNSS data collection devices.“

The app, named Eos Tools Pro, has user-configurable audible and visual alarms to alert the user of high PDOP, lost RTK correction, unacceptable correction age and several other important metrics. It supports all current and future constellations — GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou.

The Arrow 200 by Eos Positioning Systems.

To eliminate any confusion as to which GPS/GNSS device the user’s app is using, Eos Tools Pro features a dropdown menu so the user may select any receiver the Android device has been paired with.

“The Eos Tools Pro app enables Android devices running Esri’s Collector app on Android smartphones and tablets to collect data as accurate as 1cm when connected to an Arrow GNSS receiver,” said Esri Product Manager Jeff Shaner. “It’s a big leap forward to enable Collector to serve the high-precision GNSS user.”

Google Maps is tightly integrated with the app to display the user’s location anywhere in the world. Detailed satellite information such as a skyplot that plots each visible satellite, whether it’s being used or not, and signal strength bar graphs from each constellation are also displayed. Finally, a Terminal screen displays the NMEA data flowing and allows the user to send commands to the receiver.

Eos Tools Pro and Arrow receivers are targeted at high-accuracy applications like GIS; environmental; agriculture; electric, gas, water utilities; surveying; machine control; and federal, state, and local government.

January 21, 2016