“Autopilot” in the Field

1. Introduction: “Autopilot” in the Field

In people’s minds, autopilot is often thought of as a high-tech feature for cars on urban roads—but the same intelligence is now guiding machines across vast farmlands. Intelligent agricultural equipment, exemplified by the AS10 autonomous driving system guided by Beidou satellite navigation, deeply integrates automatic control and IoT technologies, allowing large machinery such as tractors and harvesters to operate with fatigue-free, high-precision autopilot. This article takes Archimedes Innovation’s AS10 system as an example to introduce the technology that is transforming traditional agriculture.

2. Core System: Composed of “Eyes,” “Brain,” and “Limbs”

This system is not a standalone device but a collaborative “robot”—its components can be compared to the human body:

“Eyes” and “Ears” (Sensing and Positioning):

• Beidou High-Precision Positioning Antenna: Acting as the system’s “eyes,” it receives Beidou satellite signals to determine the machine’s precise location on the map, with accuracy reaching the centimeter level.
• Camera: Assists in “observing” the path ahead, providing visual reference.
• RTK Differential Base Station (“Enhanced Hearing”): The system receives satellite signal error corrections via the 4G network, communicating in real time with the on-board terminal—a key step for achieving centimeter-level precision. The tablet must have a SIM card inserted or be connected to WiFi to configure the differential source, effectively establishing this “lifeline.”

“Brain” (Decision and Control)

The central control terminal, equipped with the PathFinder app, acts as the system’s “central nervous interface” with the operator. On the screen:

• Red lines indicate the current work path
• Blue lines indicate completed or planned paths

All parameter settings, work mode selections, and autopilot start/stop operations are managed through it.

Integrated Unit (“Main Computer”)

The integrated unit serves as the system’s main computer, processing all positioning and navigation algorithms as well as command computations.

“Limbs” (Actuators)

• Electric Steering Wheel: Acts as the system’s “hands,” receiving steering commands from the “brain” and precisely controlling the wheel.
• All components connect through a single main cable for power and communication, which must be handled carefully and properly connected before powering on, forming the physical foundation for stable system operation.

3. How It Works: The Four Steps from “First Steps” to Full Speed

Turning a conventional agricultural machine into a smart, autonomous “vehicle” requires going through the following key steps—just like onboarding and training a new hire.

• “Registering the Vehicle” (Machine Setup)

First, the system needs to identify the agricultural machine it will control. The operator enters key parameters—such as wheelbase, track width, and antenna installation position—into the tablet, creating a dedicated profile for the machine.

• “Calibration and Learning” (Machine Calibration)

This core step for precise control consists of two parts:

Motor Calibration: The system guides the vehicle along a short “S-shaped” path on flat terrain, learning the steering response to ensure commands match wheel rotation precisely. The process takes about 30 seconds.

Installation Error Calibration: The vehicle drives a short distance on a straight path at 3–6 km/h. The system calculates and corrects positioning errors caused by antenna installation offsets.

• “Assigning the Tools” (Implement Management)

The system needs to know the width of rear-mounted implements, such as seeders or plows. The operator sets the implement width and row spacing, allowing the system to plan paths that avoid overlaps and gaps, maximizing land use.

• Path Planning and Autopilot (New Task Setup and Execution)

For a new field, the operator can “draw lines” for the agricultural machine in several ways:

AB Line: Drive from point A to point B along the field edge. The system automatically generates multiple parallel work lines at equal spacing. This is the most commonly used mode.

Diagonal Line: Drive around the field boundary, marking key points (A, B, C, D). The system then automatically fills in diagonal work lines within the area.

Once the path is planned, tapping the steering wheel icon engages the machine’s autopilot. At the end of a row, the operator can trigger the one-click or automatic U-turn. The system then steers the vehicle into the next row, enabling continuous operation.

4. Benefits and Value: Why It Represents the Future of Agriculture

• Precision and Cost Savings: Centimeter-level navigation ensures precise row following and eliminates overlaps or gaps, directly saving 5–10% on seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides while improving land use efficiency.
• Labor Savings and Shortage Relief: Autopilot frees operators from prolonged, high-intensity steering tasks, letting them focus on implement status and surrounding conditions, enabling a single operator to manage multiple machines, easing labor shortages and reducing fatigue-related risks.
• 24/7 Operation: Equipped with proper lighting, the system operates continuously 24/7, maximizing valuable time windows like sowing and harvesting.
• Digital Farming: Operation data—such as trajectories, area, and time—is automatically recorded and uploaded to the cloud via IoT platforms, forming a foundation for digital farm management and precision agriculture analysis.

5. Key Principle: Safety – The Cornerstone of Smart Agriculture

Technology must always be applied with safety as the priority. Manuals and operating procedures consistently highlight the following iron rules:

• Human-Machine Co-Driving – Responsibility Lies with the Operator

Autonomous driving does not remove operator responsibility. The operator must be licensed, remain in the driver’s seat, monitor the environment continuously, and be ready to take control at any moment. Manuals clearly state: “During autonomous operation, the operator must not get on or off the machine.”

• Training Comes First

Operators must undergo full training before using the system and understand the system’s principles, operation, and emergency procedures.

• Installation and Maintenance

Follow the manual carefully when installing, inspect cables regularly, and replace damaged parts immediately. Non-professionals must not open the casing, or the warranty will be void.

• Defined Boundaries

The system is intended for field operations only and must not be operated on roads or other areas.