Positioning and perception development kits from NovAtel and AutonomouStuff, both part of Hexagon, enable autonomous off-road programs or projects

October 6, 2020 | AUVSI News

Through their various positioning and perception development kits, NovAtel and AutonomouStuff accelerate autonomous applications in the field that are ready for development. These kits are displayed on their new autonomous research and development tractor, built to illustrate the viability of the kits to accelerate autonomous projects. While these kits have been designed with agriculture applications in mind, they can also be integrated into other off-road autonomy applications.

When stereo forward-facing applications are being developed, systems need to be optimized for object detection and classification. The Vision Application Starter Kit facilitates easier methods for developing object classification libraries, allowing the platform to quickly detect and identify nearby objects and obstructions. Featuring sensors such as cameras, GNSS, RADAR and a compute platform, this development kit also enables the option of adding thermal vision to increase standard visible imaging.

Point-cloud applications are important when it comes to equipping an autonomous or robotic system with simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The Point-Cloud Application Starter Kit, which includes their compute platform, GNSS, LiDAR and RADAR technologies, is used to enable SLAM, obstacle detection and object classification in any platform or solution.

Described as an “all-in-one development kit,” the Accelerating Autonomous Application Starter Kit leverages multiple positioning, perception and sensing kits, providing the foundation to build remote and autonomous systems. Featuring sensors like cameras, GNSS, LiDAR, RADAR, thermal processing and the compute platform, the kit brings together the sensing technologies from the Point-Cloud Application Starter Kit and the Vision Application Starter Kit.

The positioning system kit includes products that are designed to increase navigation accuracy and integrity. They can also take advantage of an agriculture-optimized positioning solution powered by the Robot Operating System (ROS™). This kit features TerraStar GNSS Correction Services, ALIGN heading and relative positioning firmware and SPAN GNSS+INS technology.

To ensure that the best solution is offered, NovAtel and AutonomouStuff provide consultation on a prospective platform’s development to create a modular solution, instead of offering an out-of-the-box development kit with no room for adaptation.

“We can combine positioning solutions, correction services, sensor integration, sensor fusion and system safety analysis to design a customized development kit,” says Mike Martinez, agriculture segment manager at Hexagon | NovAtel.

A customized development kit can bridge any development gaps to complete an existing partial autonomous solution. Robotic-machinery manufacturers, or those experienced in autonomy without the expertise, resources, or time to complete an autonomous solution, can incorporate their missing pieces from the positioning and sensing kits from NovAtel and AutonomouStuff.

“Through a partnership with us and a customized development kit, we can bring your concept to reality,” Martinez says. “Help us design the best development kit for your platform development by reaching out to our team.”

Finally, the Remote-Controller development kit is described as an “easy-to-use software tool” enabling both remote and automated systems to be safely operated with a medium- to long-range wireless controller. The kit, which includes the robotics safe remote-control system, integrates remote control of a platform for testing, development, or in-the-field applications.

For more information, take a look at the Ag Autonomy Solutions Brochure and their 3D interactive app.