Welcome to our latest blog post covering the 20230420 ROS Lawn Tractor Meeting. In this article, we will be sharing all the details about this event which brought together lawn tractor enthusiasts from across the country. From the latest models on display to the exciting competitions that took place, we’ll be providing all the highlights and insights you need to know. So, sit back and enjoy as we take you through a comprehensive recap of the 20230420 ROS Lawn Tractor Meeting.
20230420 ROS Lawn Tractor Meeting: Discussing Automation Progress
Introduction
An exciting development in the world of automation involves the lawn tractor project that is currently underway. To make sure everyone stays updated, a meeting was held on April 20th, 2023, to discuss the latest updates on the project. In this article, we will be summarizing the key points discussed during the meeting.
Updates on the Lawn Tractor Automation Project
Issues with Cell Modem and Cell Phone During Debugging
Jeff started by highlighting the struggles he was facing with the cell modem and cell phone during debugging. He expressed how difficult it has been to communicate with the tractor while outside the Wi-Fi range. Fortunately, there was an ongoing effort to resolve the issue, and the team was optimistic about finding a solution soon.
Pure Pursuit, Vehicle Speed, Status Lights, IMU Problems, and Black Pill Programming
Al, on the other hand, tackled the progress about Pure Pursuit, Vehicle Speed, Status Lights, IMU Problems, and Black Pill Programming. He discussed the challenges he faced with the IMU that showed inaccurate readings when the tractor was on a slope, and the team was working to find a solution. Regarding the Pure Pursuit and Vehicle speed, Al shared that there is progress but still needs further improvement.
Plots of the GPS Base Station
Al demonstrated the plots of the GPS Base Station, showing how the team achieved accuracy +- 5cm outside the Wi-Fi range.
Turn Radius and Mysterious Offset
Jeff had a question about the turning radius, which Al addressed by showing how they designed the autonomous lawnmower to turn slowly and steadily, making it more efficient at cutting the lawn. Al also talked about a mysterious offset on his project, which he highlighted needs more investigation to determine its source.
Safety Features and Arudsimple Survey Package
Al shared his work on safety features, which included designing audible alarms and programming the system to shut down in case of any malfunction or a collision. He also discussed the Arudsimple survey package, which he was testing to improve the accuracy of the GPS.
Next Steps
Al shared next steps, which included fixing speed control, updating embedded programs, and working on the IMU. These actions aimed to improve the performance of the lawnmower, especially when on a slope and outside the Wi-Fi range.
Conclusion
The April 20th, 2023, meeting on the Lawn Tractor Automation Project was full of progress and challenges. The team continues to work tirelessly to improve the performance of the lawnmower while keeping safety as a top priority.
5 Unique FAQs After The Conclusion
- How reliable is the GPS accuracy when the tractor is outside the Wi-Fi range?
- What measures have been put in place in case of malfunction, collision, or other safety hazards?
- Why is turning radius essential in the design of an autonomous lawnmower?
- What is the next step for the team concerning Pure Pursuit and Vehicle speed?
- What is the IMU, and why is it essential in the design of an autonomous lawnmower?
