Autonomous work machines (AUWO)

The Autonomous work machines (AUWO) project develops autonomous machine control solutions for electric earthmoving machines. Research will focus on sensor fusion technologies and artificial intelligence solutions based on digital twins to simulate autonomous operation before actual machine control. These solutions will be applied to electric earthmoving machines to be procured in a parallel investment project, which will be equipped with the necessary sensors and bus control devices for autonomous operation.

The aim of the project is to help launch research and education in autonomous cyber-physical systems in the Central Ostrobothnia region. The know-how and research platforms built in the project will enable the development and piloting of autonomous machine control in different application areas in Central Ostrobothnia and promote the deployment of new technologies. In addition, the knowledge and solutions developed will provide a starting point for further research projects.

In addition to the University of Jyväskylä/Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius the group project involves Centria University of Applied Sciences (main implementer) and The Federation of Education in Central Ostrobothnia (sub-implementer). In its own sub-project, the Information Technology Unit of Kokkola University Consortium is responsible for developing autonomous machine control and simulation models and implementing AI-based sensor fusion solutions, especially for digital twins.

The project is co-funded by the European Union.

Objectives

The main objective of the project is to launch research on autonomous cyber-physical systems and to build the necessary development and piloting platforms to pilot the solutions developed for the companies in the region. The aim is

• to build the digital twins needed for the development of autonomous machine control for the electric earth-moving machinery to be purchased
• to develop machine control solutions for earth-moving machinery based on simulation models and intelligent sensor technology
• exploring new ways of using autonomous machines in industrial environments
• pilot and demonstrate autonomous control solutions for companies in the region
• to generate and disseminate information on the potential of machine control based on artificial intelligence.

Results

• Developing the platforms needed for autonomous machine research and building the communication links, intelligent sensor technology, simulation model and autonomous control needed for their control and optimisation.
• A new type of device- and manufacturer-independent autonomous machine control based on a simulation model will emerge.
• Concrete, up-to-date research and empirical data and solutions for the use of autonomous machine control and electric earth-moving machinery in the region.
• A research report on the usefulness of autonomous machines in industry will be produced in the form of a published report.
• Initiate cooperation to lay the foundations for long-term autonomous machine control research and regional dissemination of know-how in Central Ostrobothnia.