Abstract: The invention proposes an autonomous robot, such as an autonomous lawn mower, comprises at least one camera for obtaining at least one input image, a communication interface for transmitting the input image and receiving a remote control instruction, a control unit for controlling an operation of the autonomous robot, and wherein the control unit is adapted to control the operation at the autonomous robot in response to the received remote control instruction.

Abstract: Provided is a mowing boundary area recognizing apparatus of a mowing robot. The mowing boundary area recognizing apparatus includes a ground state measurer configured to acquire environment data of a ground based on a grass length on the ground, a determiner configured to determine the grass length on the ground on a basis of the ground environment data to recognize a mowing boundary area, and a controller configured to adjust running of the mowing robot to a mowing area for which mowing is needed.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower is provided with an electrical system. The electrical system includes a control module, transceiver modules, and a wiring system. The control module allows for programmably controlling electrical operations of the riding lawn mower. The transceiver modules are operably connected with respective devices of the riding lawn mower so as to communicate data between the respective devices and the control module. The wiring system comprising wires that electrically connect the transceiver modules with the control module/The wiring system includes a power wire that provide electrical power to the transceiver modules from the battery; and a data bus comprising a data wire that transmits data between the control module and the transceiver modules.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting apparatus including a movable carriage having a conveyance system for facilitating conveyance of the carriage over ground. The conveyance system can have conveyance members for facilitating such conveyance. A cutting system can be mounted to the carriage for cutting vegetation. The cutting system can include at least one cutting member which is positionable laterally around the periphery of at least one conveyance member for enabling cutting of vegetation laterally around the at least one conveyance member.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring and managing operation of a rotary disc cutterbar used in an agricultural machine. A controller in the system receives inputs on cutterbar drive power, machine travel speed, and crop cut quality. An operator interface allows suitable operational tolerances to be established. The controller examines crop cut quality, a determination of cut uniformity across the transverse width of the cutting swath, and determines changes in cutterbar drive speed and/or vehicle travel speed, if needed, to maintain crop cut quality within specified tolerances. Controller output may be directed to a display for instructing a machine operator to make necessary adjustments or it may initiate changes in machine subsystems to effect the necessary adjustments automatically.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a battery power source, an electric drive motor, at least one blade drive motor, a current sensor, and a drive controller. The electric drive motor may be powered by the battery power source. The electric drive motor may be operably coupled to a wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle to provide drive power for the riding lawn care vehicle. The at least one blade drive motor may be powered by the battery power source. The at least one blade drive motor may be operably coupled to at least one cutting blade of the riding lawn care vehicle. The current sensor may be disposed to monitor total current drawn from the battery power source. The drive controller may receive total current data from the current sensor and provide a drive control signal related to operation of the electric drive motor based on the total current data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote vegetation cutting, trimming and yard maintenance on adverse terrain. The adverse terrain vegetation cutting apparatus articulates to conform to adverse surface conditions and improve stability. Upon detecting instability the apparatus may automatically rotate to a more stable position.

Abstract: A robot lawnmower includes a body and a drive system carried by the body and configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn. The robot also includes a grass cutter and a swath edge detector, both carried by the body. The swath edge detector is configured to detect a swath edge between cut and uncut grass while the drive system maneuvers the robot across the lawn while following a detected swath edge. The swath edge detector includes a calibrator that monitors uncut grass for calibration of the swath edge detector. In some examples, the calibrator comprises a second swath edge detector.

Abstract: A robot lawnmower includes a body and a drive system carried by the body and configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn. The robot also includes a grass cutter and a swath edge detector, both carried by the body. The swath edge detector is configured to detect a swath edge between cut and uncut grass while the drive system maneuvers the robot across the lawn while following a detected swath edge. The swath edge detector includes a calibrator that monitors uncut grass for calibration of the swath edge detector. In some examples, the calibrator comprises a second swath edge detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote vegetation cutting, trimming and yard maintenance on adverse terrain. The adverse terrain vegetation cutting apparatus articulates to conform to adverse surface conditions and improve stability. Upon detecting instability the apparatus may automatically rotate to a more stable position.

Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit comprises a self-propelled mower having a hydraulic traction drive system. When engine load exceeds a predetermined percentage of full load, a controller automatically reduces the stroke of a variable displacement pump in the traction drive system to reduce the ground speed of the mower without the operator having to change the position of the traction pedal. This reduces engine load to enhance continued good cutting performance. At any time, the controller can take the same actions to reduce ground speed if an excessively high temperature in a fluid used in a cooling system on the mower is detected, or if excessive loads on the mower decks of the mower are detected, or both.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes an intake assembly configured to pick up crop from a field and conveying the crop, a processing assembly for receiving the conveyed by the intake assembly, means for estimating the crop throughput of the intake assembly and a ground drive. The forward speed (V) of the ground drive and a drive speed (C) of the intake assembly can vary depending on the crop throughput.

Abstract: A riding lawnmower includes left and right wheels, at least one caster wheel, a lawnmower blade or reel, and a control section. The left and right wheels are independently driven by electric rotary machines to travel. The lawnmower blade or reel is driven for mowing. The control section, in response to turn instruction input by a turn operator, controls the left and right wheels according to preset standard setting conditions, or according to deceleration setting conditions which differ from the standard setting conditions, under which at least one of a vehicle movement speed and vehicle turning speed is decelerated more than under standard setting conditions. The riding lawnmower includes a section designating either standard setting conditions or deceleration setting conditions. In a riding lawnmower, left and right wheels are caused to turn around a turn center position corresponding to a turn instruction according to designated setting conditions.

Abstract: A combination tractor and baler is provided to automate tractor stopping and baler wrapping while incorporating operator interaction to improve the efficiency of the tractor and baler combination in operation. Automated control systems and manual operator devices are utilized to improve the timing of the tractor stop and baler wrapping time sequences. Various methods to improve efficiency, including methods to synchronize tractor stop with wrapping activation are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote vegetation cutting, trimming and yard maintenance on adverse terrain. The adverse terrain vegetation cutting apparatus articulates to conform to adverse surface conditions and improve stability. Upon detecting instability the apparatus may automatically rotate to a more stable position.

Abstract: An electric motor-driven rotary disc cutter module for use in a cutterbar in an agricultural harvester. In one embodiment, each rotary disc module includes an electric motor driver for the rotary cutterhead. Individual cutterhead modules are staggered fore and aft along the cutterbar to provide continuous cutting across the lateral width of the cutterbar without requiring synchronized rotation of the cutterheads to prevent contact of the knives. This configuration allows for individual speed and/or rotational direction adjustment for each cutterhead to optimize crop cutting performance and/or crop movement within the header. A control system may be included to monitor performance and manage individual operation of the cutterhead modules.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a lawn or turf care maintenance machine, including at least one of fully electric operation; multi-purpose operation; and overnight, silent operation. The machine can be configured for at least one of golf course maintenance, turf care, landscaping, outdoor work, and transportation.

Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. There is provided a float module with adjustable and calibrated springs on the header which allows the header to float relative to the lift system on the tractor. The float force is adjusted by raising and lowering the lift system in dependence on an angle measurement of the lift position. The lift system includes a lift cylinder and tilt cylinder controlled to change cutter angle while maintaining a sight line to the cutter bar for the operator.

Abstract: A riding work vehicle that includes a running electric motor unit running and driving a driving wheel unit; a speed setting operation unit operated by a driver to set a target running speed; a working electric motor driving a work device that performs work on a worked object around a vehicle body corresponding to running of the vehicle body; and an exceptional speed controller that performs exceptional speed control to control the running electric motor unit at an exceptional speed lower than the target running speed in a case where load of the working electric motor evaluated by a work load evaluator that evaluates load of the working electric motor is abnormal load higher than a threshold value.

Abstract: A windrower with a harvesting header with a crop cutting assembly for severing crop from the ground windrower has a header pitch sensor for measuring a fore/aft pitch angle and a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system moves the header between an operating height and a raised position, and also controls a fore/aft pitch angle. An electronics control module provides an output to activate solenoid valves in the hydraulic system to move the header between the operating height and the raised position and to select a desired pitch angle. When the header moves from the operating height to the raised position, the electronics control module operates the header hydraulic system to move the header to the zero-tilt condition, and upon lowering the header back the operating height, the electronics control module automatically returns the header to the selected pitch angle it was in at the start of the cycle.

Abstract: A robotic mower launch point system includes a user interface for an operator to enter a plurality of launch point locations, durations and frequencies, and a vehicle control unit that stores the locations, durations and frequencies, determines a sequence of launches based on the launch point frequencies, and commands the robotic mower to exit a charging station and follow a boundary wire to each launch point in the sequence where the robotic mower mows for that launch point's duration before returning to the charging station. The vehicle control determines the sequence based on the frequency of each launch point relative to a total of the launch point frequencies.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a lawn mower robot. The lawn mower robot includes a body disposed with a moving device; a mowing device disposed in the bottom of the body and mowing lawns; a sensor disposed in the body and outputting data by sensing colors; and a controller determining a lawn presence region based on data output from the sensor.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a lawn mower robot. A lawn mower robot system, comprising: a lawn mower robot disposed with a moving device; a mowing device disposed in the lawn mower robot and mowing lawns; a first communication device disposed in the lawn mower robot and transmitting an inquiry signal for state information; a plurality of boundary display apparatuses, arranged in a lawn presence region, disposed with a second communication device for receiving the inquiry signal for the state information from the first communication device and for transmitting an acknowledge signal for the state information to the first communication device; a controller for recognizing a plurality of absolute coordinates from the lawn presence region based on the acknowledge signal for the state information received from the second communication device and for controlling the mowing device within the limit of the plurality of absolute coordinates.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting grass comprising: a lawn mower equipped with movement means and one or more blades for cutting grass; a perimeter cable, delimiting a cutting area; a management device for generating an electrical signal (ES) in the cable; a recharging base. The lawn mower further comprises a control unit equipped with: sensor means to detect the electrical signal (ES); a memory to store a maximum value (Vmax) and a minimum value (Vmin); a calculation module to determine, for said intensity of detection, a target value (Tv) that is non-null and comprised between the maximum (Vmax) and minimum value (Vmin), the target value (Tv) being different from a preceding target value; an operative module to command the movement means so as to move the lawn mower in such a manner that the sensor means detects the electrical signal (ES) at an intensity equal to the target value (Tv).

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a lawn mower robot. The lawn mower robot includes a body including a mowing device; a sensor disposed in the body and sensing light signal produced from a signal producing unit in the outside; a moving device disposed in the body; and a controller controlling the moving device based on information sensed from the sensor, wherein the controller controls the moving device so that the lawn mower robot is moved along the light signal.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a lawn mower robot. A lawn mower robot system, comprising: a lawn mower robot disposed with a moving device; a mowing device disposed in the lawn mower robot and mowing lawns; a first communication device disposed in the lawn mower robot and transmitting an inquiry signal for state information; a plurality of boundary display apparatuses, arranged in a lawn presence region, disposed with a second communication device for receiving the inquiry signal for the state information from the first communication device and for transmitting an acknowledge signal for the state information to the first communication device; a controller for recognizing a plurality of absolute coordinates from the lawn presence region based on the acknowledge signal for the state information received from the second communication device and for controlling the mowing device within the limit of the plurality of absolute coordinates.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a lawn mower robot. A lawn mower robot includes a body having a moving device; a mowing device disposed in the body and mowing lawns; a sensor disposed in the body and receiving light signal from the outside; and a controller controlling the moving device and mowing device, wherein, when the sensor senses the light signal, the controller allows the mowing device to be operated, and when the sensor does not sense the light signal, the controller allows the mowing device to be stopped.

Abstract: An agricultural robot system and method of harvesting, pruning, culling, weeding, measuring and managing of agricultural crops. Uses autonomous and semi-autonomous robot(s) comprising machine-vision using cameras that identify and locate the fruit on each tree, points on a vine to prune, etc., or may be utilized in measuring agricultural parameters or aid in managing agricultural resources. The cameras may be coupled with an arm or other implement to allow views from inside the plant when performing the desired agricultural function. A robot moves through a field first to “map” the plant locations, number and size of fruit and approximate positions of fruit or map the cordons and canes of grape vines. Once the map is complete, a robot or server can create an action plan that a robot may implement. An action plan may comprise operations and data specifying the agricultural function to perform.

Abstract: A method for state detection of a cutting device for agricultural crop is described. The cutting device is formed with a cutting tool set into rotation with respect to a shear bar operates such that a clearance position of the shear bar is changeable with respect to the cutting too. The method includes assigning at least two interspaced sensors for detecting vibrations to the shear bar caused by the cutting tool upon contact with the shear bar, transmitting signals generated by the sensors to a common signal analysis device and, the common signal analysis device comparing the signals and determining a state of the cutting device.

Abstract: A robotic mower launch point system includes a user interface for an operator to enter a plurality of launch point locations, durations and frequencies, and a vehicle control unit that stores the locations, durations and frequencies, determines a sequence of launches based on the launch point frequencies, and commands the robotic mower to exit a charging station and follow a boundary wire to each launch point in the sequence where the robotic mower mows for that launch point's duration before returning to the charging station. The vehicle control determines the sequence based on the frequency of each launch point relative to a total of the launch point frequencies.

Abstract: A haymaking device has a frame movable in a direction of travel and has at least a first and a second crop processing tool which are arranged side to side. The device further includes transfer mechanisms for transferring the first and second crop processing tools from an operative position, in which the crop is engaged, to a standby position, in which the crop is not functionally engaged, and vice versa, respectively. A programmable control unit for the transfer mechanisms independently activates the transfer mechanisms from each other, and processes data indicative of an angle between a direction of travel of a work stroke of the device over the field and a boundary line. The control unit also processes data on the speed of the device in the direction of travel, and activates the transfer mechanisms one after another in dependence on the data upon arrival at the boundary line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a riding work vehicle that includes a running electric motor unit running and driving a driving wheel unit; a speed setting operation unit operated by a driver to set a target running speed; a working electric motor driving a work device that performs work on a worked object around a vehicle body corresponding to running of the vehicle body; and an exceptional speed controller that performs exceptional speed control to control the running electric motor unit at an exceptional speed lower than the target running speed in a case where load of the working electric motor evaluated by a work load evaluator that evaluates load of the working electric motor is abnormal load higher than a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a riding work vehicle that includes a vehicle body having a driver seat; a driving wheel unit supporting the vehicle body; a working electric motor that drives a work unit having a work device; an electric motor controller controlling an operation of the working electric motor in a steady mode or a power saving mode in which consumed power is smaller than the steady mode; and a work load evaluator that evaluates load of the working electric motor. In the riding work vehicle, the electric motor controller operates the working electric motor in the power saving mode in a case where the load of the working electric motor evaluated by the work load evaluator is low load lower than a threshold value.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes an internal combustion engine and an electronic control arrangement that is coupled to the internal combustion engine and that is provided as input the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and that can be provided with information as to whether the harvesting machine is in operation on public roads or in a harvesting operation. The control arrangement provides as input during the harvesting operation in an automatic operating mode the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine as a function of the situation in a harvesting operation of the harvesting machine as controlled by the control arrangement. In addition, the internal combustion engine can be operated in an efficient operating mode at a local minimum of the specific fuel consumption.

Abstract: A control system for an engineless, motor-driven lawnmower vehicle includes electric motors and controllers. At least one of the electric motors is an electric drive motor connected to a drive wheel of the lawnmower vehicle to enable transmission of motive power. At least one other electric motor is a mower-related electric motor connected to a lawnmower rotary tool to enable transmission of motive power. At least one of the controllers is a drive wheel controller which includes a drive wheel driver and which controls operation of the electric drive motor in response to a signal from at least one operator sensor for detecting an operation amount of at least one operator. At least one controller controls to activate or stop the mower-related electric motor. At least one controller is connected to the drive wheel controller and transmits a control signal thereto in response to a signal from the operator sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural machine, comprising: elements (5) for gathering and/or processing crops; an engine (1) operable to travel the machine through a first driving mechanism (3) and to drive the operation of said elements through a second driving mechanism (4); and a control unit (6) for controlling engine RPM, characterised in that the control unit (6) is configured for controlling the engine RPM (n,) on the basis of a target RPM (ns), which is in turn based on an assessment of the imposed engine load (Ti), wherein in at least in one sub-range between 0% and 100% of the maximum load, the target RPM is a constantly rising function of said engine load. The present invention relates also to a method of controlling the RPM of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automatic harvesting of fruits cultivated in rows, comprising an autonomous vehicle, with a tubular structure (2), formed by stringers (5) attached to one another by means of crosspieces (6), and with wheels (3) encompassing several crop rows (4), incorporating autonomous and independent robotic arms (7) controlled by means of a common processor, being assembled on a platform (8) moving on a guide (9), and the end of which has a viewing and positioning system, and has a curved receptacle (13) in the form of a funnel (14) provided with a groove (15) with an obliquely arranged blade (16). The viewing and positioning system comprises a camera (10), a contact sensor (11) and a distance sensor (12).

Abstract: A lawn mower comprising: a frame (10); actuating means (20) for moving said frame (10) relative to a work surface (L); one or more blades (30) mounted on said frame (10) for cutting the grass present on said work surface (L); a plurality of sensors (S1, S2) for generating detection signals (SR) representative of a distance of a mass (M) relative to said frame (10); a control unit (40) adapted to determine, as a function of said detection signals (SR), whether said mass is at a distance from said frame (10) which is included within a predetermined value range, and to adjust the operating conditions of said lawn mower (1) as a function of said detection signals (SR); a selection circuit (50) interposed in a circuit between said control unit (40) and sensors (S1, S2) and suitable to selectively enable a connection between each of said sensors (S1, S2) and an input of said control unit (40).

Abstract: An agricultural robot system and method of harvesting, pruning, culling, weeding, measuring and managing of agricultural crops. Uses autonomous and semi-autonomous robot(s) comprising machine-vision using cameras that identify and locate the fruit on each tree, points on a vine to prune, etc., or may be utilized in measuring agricultural parameters or aid in managing agricultural resources. The cameras may be coupled with an arm or other implement to allow views from inside the plant when performing the desired agricultural function. A robot moves through a field first to “map” the plant locations, number and size of fruit and approximate positions of fruit or map the cordons and canes of grape vines. Once the map is complete, a robot or server can create an action plan that a robot may implement. An action plan may comprise operations and data specifying the agricultural function to perform.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a base unit and a header coupled with the base unit. The header includes a frame; at least one draper belt; a header lift detector providing an output signal indicating a lift state of the header; and a draper belt accelerator receiving the output signal from the header lift detector and accelerating each of the draper belts upon receipt of the output signal.

Abstract: Robotic harvesting of agricultural crops. Robot moves through a field first to “map” the field to determine plant locations, number and size of fruit on plants and approximate positions of fruit on each plant. Once the map of the fruit is complete, the robot can plan and implement an efficient picking plan for itself or another robot. A scout robot or harvest robot determines a picking plan in advance of picking a tree. This may be done if the map is finished hours, days or weeks before a robot is scheduled to harvest, or if the picking plan algorithm selected requires significant computational time and cannot be implemented in “real time” by the harvesting robot as it is picking the field. The system harvests according to the selected picking plan. The picking plan may be generated in the scout robot, harvest robot or on a server.

Abstract: A harvesting machine combination for the utilization of harvested plant remains is provided and includes a combine with an outlet for harvested crop remains, a self propelled forage harvester that includes a conveyor to take over the harvested crop remains from the outlet of the combine, a discharge arrangement for the harvested crop remains, an engine for the drive of the conveyor and a container to take up the harvested crop remains delivered by the discharge arrangement. The combine is equipped with a transmitting arrangement for the transmission of position data and/or operation direction and speed data of the combine. The forage harvester is equipped with a receiving arrangement that interacts with an automatic steering and speed input arrangement of the forage harvester that can be operated on the basis of the data received by the receiving arrangement in order to permit the forage harvester to follow the combine automatically.

Abstract: An in-ground lawn cutting device is disclosed that uses a rotating cord to trim and mulch grass much faster than conventional means. A spool rotates at high speed and extends a weighted cord that cuts grass within a circle. The spool height can be slowly lowered to mulch grass as it cuts. When finished, the cord is retracted and the spool can be lowered at least partly below grade. The device can detect the height of surrounding vegetation and/or the presence of nearby obstructions through reflection or transmission between devices of LASER or other light. The device can issue an audible and/or visual alarm when an obstruction is detected, and/or immediately before and during the cutting. In some embodiments the device can be tilted, the cutting cord can be adjusted in length, and/or a controller is included. The controller can be wireless, hand-held, and/or controlled by a hand-held wireless remote.

Abstract: A modular vehicle system comprises an engine unit and an engine management controller associated with the engine unit. A throttle actuator is associated with the engine management controller to control a throttle setting of an engine unit. A mower unit is associated with mower electronics. A blade clutch actuator activates or deactivates a cutting blade of the mower unit. A transmission line supports communications between the engine management controller and the mower electronics to support remote control mowing or unmanned mowing activities.

Abstract: A lawn-mower (1) comprises: a motor unit (2) for the directional displacement of the lawn-mower; a cutting device (3) means for detecting a perimeter (L) of a cut area (A); means for detecting a condition of alignment of lawn-mower (1) with said perimeter (L); a control unit (20) operatively associated with the alignment-condition detecting means for receiving a signal therefrom representative of the condition of alignment with the perimeter, and operatively connected to the motor unit to cause a displacement of the lawn-mower along the same perimeter in response to the alignment signal.

Abstract: In a self-propelled agricultural working machine having working units whose working parameters are adjustable, moving at a ground speed that is regulated automatically as a function of at least one crop-material parameter and/or one working parameter of the working machine using a forward-travel regulator, and having at least one control, operating, and display unit, with which the crop-material parameters and/or the working parameters of the working machine may be adjusted and displayed, the operator of the working machine has access to information regarding the state of the forward-travel regulator when the ground speed is being regulated using a forward-travel regulator. For this purpose, the crop-material parameter and/or working parameter of the working machine that currently limits the ground-speed control via the forward-travel regulator is displayed directly to the operator of the working machine in the control, operating, and display unit.

Abstract: A modular vehicle system comprises an engine unit and an engine management controller associated with the engine unit. A throttle actuator is associated with the engine management controller to control a throttle setting of an engine unit. A mower unit is associated with mower electronics. A blade clutch actuator activates or deactivates a cutting blade of the mower unit. A transmission line supports communications between the engine management controller and the mower electronics to support remote control mowing or unmanned mowing activities.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a traction drive system structured and operable to provide movement of the vehicle across a ground surface, and an electric motor structured and operable to provide rotation of a cutting device that includes a plurality of cutting blades. The vehicle additionally includes a vehicle controller that is configured to receive a programmable vehicle clip rate data input and monitor a groundspeed of the vehicle and a rotational speed of the cutting device as the vehicle moves across the ground surface. The controller is additionally configured to actively control the electric motor based on the monitored vehicle groundspeed to thereby actively control the rotational speed of the cutting device in order to maintain the programmed clip rate of the vehicle as the vehicle moves across the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention is an automated fruit harvester which includes sensors and robotic arms which position themselves adjacent to a fruit to be harvested. A fruit transport head secures the fruit, cuts the stem, and transports the fruit within the hollow arm, to deposit the fruit in a collection bin.

Abstract: An automated lawn cutting and vacuum system is disclosed. The system includes an automated lawnmower comprising a mower housing. A control panel provided on the mower housing automatically controls the mowing, driving and steering functions of the automated lawnmower.