Robot excavator operates alone for 24 hours

摘要

A robotic excavator has been tested in real-world construction scenarios, working continuously for more than 24 hours. The autonomous excavator system (AES) was developed by researchers from Baidu Research Robotics, Auto-Driving Lab(RAL) and the University of Maryland, who say the technology allows the machine to perform on a par with an experienced human operator, working without intervention for long periods.The AES uses algorithms to perceive its environment, plan actions and control its movements, utilising multiple proprioceptive sensors, LiDAR and camera technology to identify and target material to be excavated.The developers say the same technology could be used on excavators of all sizes and has the potential to increase productivity across a range of applications, as well as mitigating the increasing skills shortage.