Intelligent mobile machines

The intelligent machine research group integrates energy efficiency to the research of the autonomous machines. This research addresses the problem of autonomous control of a hydraulically actuated articulated-frame-steering mobile machine - a wheel loader. Our autonomous motion control system includes a mission planning with graphical user interface, an improved odometry algorithm, inertial measurement unit and a GPS device, a model based path-following control strategy and speed control.

In the mobile machine laboratory of IHA several different mobile machines and their attachments can be found and used for research and investigations. There are two center linked wheel loaders, three small skid-steered wheel loaders, a forest forwarder and an agricultural tractor equipped with CVT transmission. In the mobile machine laboratory there is also a control room for these mobile machines. The center linked wheel loaders are well equipped for investigating remote or autonomous functions of machines. To rise to the challenges of future, a novel vehicle called IHA-machine has been engineered at IHA. It serves as a research platform, e.g. for comprehensive and realistic efficiency studies as well as field tests of autonomous functionalities.

IHA-Machine - Research Platform

Efficiency and emissions

Environmental awareness and fuel economy have set out new challenges for Mobile Machines.

Fuel efficiency of the Mobile Machine can be increased by using innovative components and hydraulic systems together with intelligent control.

Power supply economy

Parallel control of diesel engine, drive and working hydraulic pump is challenging because of frequently varying loading conditions.

By means of optimizing the use of power supply components the effects to fuel economy and emissions are obvious.
 

Digital hydraulics

Digital hydraulics give possibility to new innovative hydraulic solutions. Depending on loading conditions hydraulic system can be modified to suitable state and therefore increase efficiency of the system.

Operator assistance

Operator assistance systems (OAS) offer operators not only comfort but increasingly support in critical situations and helping with basic task executing.The goal is to develop automated task execution to carry out sub tasks instead of operator, e.g. autonomous drive.

Contact:
Professor Kalevi Huhtala