Autonomous work machines (AUWO)

The project will start development and research work on autonomous machine control in Central Ostrobothnia by developing machine control solutions based on artificial intelligence, sensor fusion and simulation models. These solutions will be applied to electric earthmoving machines to be purchased in a parallel investment project, which will be equipped with the necessary sensors and actuators for autonomous steering. The know-how and research platforms developed in the project will enable the development and piloting of autonomous machine control in several different vehicle categories and applications in Central Ostrobothnia and will promote the deployment of new technologies.

Centria University of Applied Sciences is the main implementer of the group project, and the University of Jyväskylä/Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius and The Federation of Education in Central Ostrobothnia are the co-implementers. In its own sub-project, Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius is responsible for developing autonomous machine control and simulation models and implementing AI-based sensor fusion solutions.

Objectives

The main objective of the project is to initiate research on autonomous machine control and to build the necessary platforms for development and piloting, so that the developed solutions can be piloted in companies in the region. The aim is to

• build the equipment platforms needed to develop autonomous machine control for electric earth-moving machinery to be purchased for investment projects
• develop machine controls for earth-moving machinery based on simulation models and intelligent sensor technology
• study and develop new ways of using autonomous machines in industrial environments
• pilot and demonstrate autonomous control solutions for companies in the region
• 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.