Polymath Robotics Blog | 2 New Modules: Geofence and Ackermann Configuration
2 New Modules: Geofence and Ackermann Configuration
Polymath is launching 40 autonomous navigation modules in 20 weeks. Today, meet the next 2 modules: Geofence and Ackermann Configuration.
At Polymath Robotics, we make it radically simple to automate off-highway vehicles. We’re releasing 40 autonomy modules over 20 weeks to make it easier than ever to build your autonomous navigation stack. Each module can be used on its own, or together as a full autonomy solution. This week we’re launching two new modules: Geofence and Ackermann Configuration.
Module #7: Geofence
The problem: Most off-highway vehicles have dedicated spaces for operation – like a field, a construction site, or a mine. Their operations need to be contained to those sites.
Introducing our Geofence module – easily set boundaries for your autonomous off-highway vehicle’s operations.
How it works: The Geofence module simplifies the process of creating safe operation boundaries by allowing automatic setup using GPS coordinates. When a vehicle nears the Geofence, it gradually slows and eventually halts, preventing it from crossing the defined boundary.
What makes Geofence a core part of the autonomous navigation stack?
- Safer operations: Setting an operational boundary ensures that your vehicle will never be where it’s not supposed to be.
- Versatility: The module can receive any set of GPS coordinates and turn them into a polygon boundary.
- Intelligent behavior: The vehicle won’t stop suddenly at the Geofence, but rather will slow down gradually and come to a safe stop.
Module #8: Ackermann Configuration
Why we built this: Ackermann steering is common in large off-highway vehicles like tractors, wheel loaders, and dump trucks.
The problem: The standard Ackermann package in ROS assumes that, like a car, all the wheels are the same size. Many off-highway vehicles introduce a complexity: bigger back wheels! This means you need to rethink the kinematics of these vehicles and reprogram your controls systems around them.
That’s why we built the Ackermann Configuration module – the easier way to tailor your controls & path planning for Ackermann kinematics with different wheel sizes.
How it works: We’ve built on top of the standard Ackermann template in ROS, so you can plug in your vehicle’s turning radius and wheel sizes, and the system will automatically calculate its unique motion profile.
What makes our Ackermann Configuration so powerful?
- Skip the kinematic headache: Polymath’s Ackermann Configuration makes it faster and easier to configure your system around your vehicle’s unique kinematics.
- Robust and flexible: the module can be easily applied to Ackermann vehicles of any dimension.
- Easy to incorporate: like all our modules, you can use Ackermann Configuration on its own, or as part of our full autonomous navigation system.
The clip below shows our demo tractor using our Ackermann Configuration for accurate steering, path planning, and whole vehicle control.
What’s Next
Next week, we’ll reveal two more of our 40 Autonomous Navigation Modules. Each module easily fits into your existing projects or combines with other Polymath modules to create a complete autonomous navigation system.
We’re excited to hear how you plan to use these modules to speed up your off-highway autonomy projects. Contact Sales today.