The Excavator That Digs to a Line It Cannot See – Mobility and Field Robotics
20 hours ago
- #autonomous excavation
- #precision digging
- #construction robotics
- An autonomous excavator uses sensors and geometry to dig trenches to a design grade with an accuracy of about 3 centimeters, without an operator.
- Key technologies include RTK GPS for centimeter-level positioning, motion and joint angle sensors, and on-board edge computing for real-time feedback without cloud reliance.
- Machine guidance systems assist human operators, while full autonomy (like from Built Robotics and Bedrock) also handles digging forces and soil resistance, often using learned policies.
- The excavator's outdoor accuracy is notable compared to tighter indoor tolerances, highlighting the challenge of working on variable, hostile ground.
- Recent developments include Bedrock Robotics raising $270M for autonomy kits on existing machinery, and Built Robotics already deploying autonomous trenching on solar farms.