Adaptive LiDAR research may enable autonomous farming robots

A new study from the University of California, Riverside features an adaptive LiDAR technology for autonomous agricultural robots. 

It will enable farming bots to map fields and monitor their locations with limited GPS availability.

Consequently, further development may improve future agricultural machines.

READ: AI agriculture changes how the world grows food

As a result, this technology can help reduce global agriculture’s dependence on manual labor, address workforce shortages, and improve operational efficiency. 

Autonomous farming with advanced mapping

The researchers call this system Adaptive Generalized LiDAR Odometry and Mapping or AG-LOAM. 

LiDAR stands for “Light Detection and Ranging.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says it’s a “remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges to the Earth.”

ScienceDirect says odometry is “a method that uses data from motion sensors to estimate the change in position over time.”

AG-LOAM has an adaptive mapping module that updates maps based on motion stability and data consistency.

The motion stability determines when to update the map, preventing distorted data from affecting the navigation system.

Meanwhile, mapping consistency filtering maintains high map accuracy.

Consequently, these systems process incoming data quickly, enabling robots to navigate efficiently.

More importantly, AG-LOAM remains accurate even with limited GPS availability.

This feature can revolutionize autonomous farming as it can enable robots to adapt to remote and complex agricultural landscapes. 

The UC researchers found that this technology functions well in different terrain types like in-row citrus orchards and open crop fields. 

Soon, AG-LOAM can become a boon for countries developing new farming technologies like the Philippines. 

For example, Soj Gamayan, a 22-year-old BS Communications Technology Management student from the Ateneo De Manila University, developed Agriconnect.

It’s an app that monitors fields via sensors to notify farmers of their overall crop health. 

Moreover, the chairperson of the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) recommends expanding technology-driven farming programs. 

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said the government must equip farmers with the latest tools and skills to maximize productivity and income potential.