Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a method for updating an occlusion probability map. An occlusion probability map represents the probability that a given portion of the sensor field is occluded from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving field of view data from a sensor system; producing a probabilistic model of the sensor field of view; and updating an occlusion probability map using the probabilistic model and field of view data.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for illuminating a field of view of a vision-based sensor mounted on an agricultural machine may include an agricultural machine having a vision-based sensor. The system may also include a light source configured to emit supplemental light to illuminate at least a portion of the field of view of the vision-based sensor. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively the light source. The controller may configured to control an operation of the light source based on an input indicative of ambient light present within the field of view of the vision-based sensor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a method for updating an occlusion probability map. An occlusion probability map represents the probability that a given portion of the sensor field is occluded from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving field of view data from a sensor system; producing a probabilistic model of the sensor field of view; and updating an occlusion probability map using the probabilistic model and field of view data.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for adjusting a sampling rate of a sensor mounted on an agricultural machine may include an agricultural machine and a sensor mounted on the agricultural machine, with the sensor being configured to capture data at a sampling rate. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive an input indicative of an operational parameter of the agricultural machine and adjust the sampling rate at which the sensor captures data based on the received input.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for illuminating a field of view of a vision-based sensor mounted on an agricultural machine may include an agricultural machine having a vision-based sensor. The system may also include a light source configured to emit supplemental light to illuminate at least a portion of the field of view of the vision-based sensor. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively the light source. The controller may configured to control an operation of the light source based on an input indicative of ambient light present within the field of view of the vision-based sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for adjusting a sampling rate of a sensor mounted on an agricultural machine may include an agricultural machine and a sensor mounted on the agricultural machine, with the sensor being configured to capture data at a sampling rate. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive an input indicative of an operational parameter of the agricultural machine and adjust the sampling rate at which the sensor captures data based on the received input.

Abstract: A robotic control system for a vehicle having a chassis and a drive system carrying the chassis. The robotic control system including a controller configured to control the drive system. The controller being further configured to at least one of auto-load the vehicle onto a trailer, preclude tipping of the vehicle, stabilize yaw of the vehicle, simulate Ackerman steering, balance the vehicle on two wheels, retrieve an other vehicle, transfer a payload from the vehicle to the other vehicle, coupling of at least one other vehicle to the vehicle, retrieval or movement of a container using either relative sensing or absolute position referencing, profile cutting of plants, and 3D print cement.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adopted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.