Precision MakersProbotiq robot technology

Allard Martinet

Privately owned group, currently consisting of:• Herder - ditch cleaners• Votex - mulchers• Conver - mowing boats• Precision Makers– Precision agricultural solutions

and autonomous vehicle technology• Roberine – self propelled mowers190 skilled employees realizing 38 mln EURO turnoverPM: 12 employees, only R&D and sales/service

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Precision Makers BV

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• Unique solutions linked to GPS• Part of Dutch Power Company• Robotized solutions (Probotiq brand name)• Precision farming for Ag and Turf• More than 75 robots running

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2008: PROBOTIQ founded 2009: Prototype Autonomous Mower 2010: Test year on golf course 2011: First autonomous mowers sold 2012: Started development for agriculture 2013: Multiple DynaMow and agricultural systems

sold. 2013/10: Acquired by Dutch Power Company 2015: Changed into Precision Makers

History

Robot technology as a kit• Systems are an add-on• No interference with ‘normal’ machine

electronics when turned off• The machine ‘thinks’ there is an operator in the

seat• Control of steering, engine, transmission, PTO,

etc.• The more electronics on the machine, the

easier to integrate

Robotized Vehicles or Mobile Robots?• Conventional vehicle to be automated OR

vehicle designed to be autonomous?

SolutionsDeveloping solutions where others don’t go

Fendt 516 seeding autonomous in Denmark, without operator

Teach & Playback• Machine repeats operator precisely• Complex control technology hidden behind an

easy to use user-interface• Flexible, complex patterns possible• Control advantages• Get started within five minutes!

Dynamic path planning (patented)• Autonomy based on advanced path planning

algorithms• Uses work area, turn area and main direction• Routes are not taught, but calculated• Generates multiple patterns with the click of a

button• Teach-errors are eliminated• Optimization possible (e.g. time, distance)• More complex real-time control, but leads to

consistent mowing results

Future of robots on farms & green• Repeating task will be automated quickly• 3 tasks of operator (steering, acting, controlling):

o Control of quality of work – implement manufacturers!

• First an add-on, later dedicated

• Standardisation of interfaces• Standardisation of safety• Cars & platooning to create possibilities

• The future is there. Now. Act!

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