Abstract: A work site monitoring system includes a communication component receiving image data representing at least one image of a work site captured by an imaging apparatus of an unmanned aerial device. The system further includes a controller, with memory and processing architecture for executing instructions stored in the memory, coupled to the communication component. The controller includes a scene module, an object module, and a map module. The scene module is configured to evaluate the image data and generate a scene image of the work site based on at least the image data. The object module is configured to identify at least a first object in the image and to abstract the first object as object symbology. The map module is configured to generate a work site map with the object symbology layered onto the scene image.

Abstract: A control hub receives machine operation requests from multiple different machines that are located remotely from the control hub. The control hub selects a remote operator to service each of the machine requests, from a remote operator station. The control hub then facilitates communication between the machines requesting operation, and the operators selected to service those requests, from their remote operator station.

Abstract: A method of detecting a defect in a surface of an infrastructure includes providing a work machine having a controller, a plurality of sensors including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a global positioning sensor (GPS), and a camera oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. The camera takes a first image of the surface at a first location, and information is collected with the IMU and the GPS at the first location. The method includes linking the first image with the information collected at the first location, and storing the first image and the information collected at the first location in a database.

Abstract: A work machine includes a vehicular controller, an IMU, an IMU controller, a hydrostatic transmission, and an operator control. The machine can move a commanded machine motion that includes movement of the machine from a first position to a second position or movement of a linkage relative to a chassis. The vehicular controller predicts an acceleration based on the commanded machine motion and communicates the predicted acceleration from the vehicular controller to the IMU controller. The IMU measures a current acceleration and the IMU controller determines an adjusted acceleration from the combination of the predicted acceleration and the current acceleration. The adjusted acceleration is communicated from the IMU controller to the vehicular controller for use by the vehicular controller. The two-way communication between the IMU controller and the vehicular controller continues while the machine is in motion for a more accurate determination of the acceleration and location of the machine.

Abstract: A method of detecting a defect in a surface of an infrastructure includes providing a work machine having a controller, a plurality of sensors including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a global positioning sensor (GPS), and a camera oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. The camera takes a first image of the surface at a first location, and information is collected with the IMU and the GPS at the first location. The method includes linking the first image with the information collected at the first location, and storing the first image and the information collected at the first location in a database.

Abstract: Work machines and methods and systems to control and determine a position of an associated implement are disclosed. An example work machine including a first vehicle component movable relative to a second vehicle component; and a processor to: cause the first vehicle component to move toward a commanded position; predict a first position of the first vehicle component of the work machine using first processes; determine a second position of the first vehicle component using second processes; and in response to a difference between the first position and the second position, to cause the first vehicle component to move further toward the commanded position to correct for the difference.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method of operating a work vehicle with an ejector body may include receiving a position signal indicative of a position of the work vehicle, receiving a target profile indicative of a target topography for an area, receiving an ejection command at a controller and entering the controller into an ejection mode based on the ejection command, and controlling, with the controller, in the ejection mode, at least one of a speed of the work vehicle and a speed of an ejector included in the ejector body based on the position signal and the target profile, to spread a load of material from the ejector body onto a ground surface.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a work implement to a work vehicle includes a coupler mounted to the work vehicle and to the work implement. The coupler assembly further includes at least one force sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect force data associated with force transferred by the coupler assembly from the work implement to the work vehicle. The coupler assembly includes at least one acceleration sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect acceleration data associated with acceleration of the coupler assembly during operation. The acceleration sensor and the force sensor are configured to be coupled to a controller that receives and processes the force data and the acceleration data to determine a mass of a load of the work implement.

Abstract: A method and system of position determination of an implement on a work vehicle. The method includes determining a position of a first radio frequency (RF) device relative to a local reference frame using ultra-wideband ranging between the first RF device and at least one additional RF device. The first RF device is coupled to a fixed location on the implement, and the additional RF device is mounted at a fixed location relative to the local reference frame. The implement is controllably movable relative to the local reference frame. A position and orientated of the implement is determined relative to the local reference frame based at least in part on the determined position of the first RF device relative to the local reference frame.

Abstract: An automated control system in a work vehicle for automating operation of a task is provided. The control system includes one or more electronic controllers having processing and memory architecture including a potential field module and an actuator control module. The potential field module includes a state determination unit configured to determine a state of the work vehicle based on input data; a potential field function selection unit configured to select at least one potential field function based on the determined state; vector calculation unit configured to calculate an action vector based on the at least one potential field function; and an action unit configured to generate an actuator command based on the action vector. The actuator control module is configured to receive the actuator command and to generate command signals for at least one actuator of the work vehicle to, at least in part, perform the task.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method of operating a work vehicle with an ejector body may include receiving a position signal indicative of a position of the work vehicle, receiving a target profile indicative of a target topography for an area, receiving an ejection command at a controller and entering the controller into an ejection mode based on the ejection command, and controlling, with the controller, in the ejection mode, at least one of a speed of the work vehicle and a speed of an ejector included in the ejector body based on the position signal and the target profile, to spread a load of material from the ejector body onto a ground surface.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method of operating a work vehicle with an ejector body may include receiving a position signal indicative of a position of the work vehicle, receiving a target profile indicative of a target topography for an area, receiving an ejection command at a controller and entering the controller into an ejection mode based on the ejection command, and controlling, with the controller, in the ejection mode, at least one of a speed of the work vehicle and a speed of an ejector included in the ejector body based on the position signal and the target profile, to spread a load of material from the ejector body onto a ground surface.

Abstract: A coupler assembly is provided for coupling a work implement to a work vehicle. The coupler assembly includes a coupler mounted to the work vehicle and to the work implement. The coupler assembly further includes at least one force sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect force data associated with force transferred by the coupler assembly from the work implement to the work vehicle. The coupler assembly includes at least one acceleration sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect acceleration data associated with acceleration of the coupler assembly during operation. The acceleration sensor and the force sensor are configured to be coupled to a controller that receives and processes the force data and the acceleration data to determine a mass of a load of the work implement.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method of operating a work vehicle with an ejector body may include receiving a position signal indicative of a position of the work vehicle, receiving a target profile indicative of a target topography for an area, receiving an ejection command at a controller and entering the controller into an ejection mode based on the ejection command, and controlling, with the controller, in the ejection mode, at least one of a speed of the work vehicle and a speed of an ejector included in the ejector body based on the position signal and the target profile, to spread a load of material from the ejector body onto a ground surface.

Abstract: A method of operating a work vehicle with an ejector body involving receiving a target parameter at a controller, at least one of target distance and target thickness, receiving a vehicle speed at the controller, entering a controller into an ejection mode, and controlling, with the controller, in the ejection mode, a speed of an ejector included in the ejector body, to spread the material based on the target parameter and the vehicle speed onto the ground surface.