• Basics of sensors, controls and control architectures in mobile machines
• Basics and functionalities of data communication in mobile machines (CAN-Bus, PROFIBUS, Ethernet, ...)
• Legal aspects and requirements (SIL-level, ...)
• Requirements for sensors for use in mobile machines
• Introduction to machine learning methods and their application for the control of mobile machines
• Overview of current research and developments in the field of agricultural robotics
• Implementation of a specific task within the exercise lessons
• The results of the semester task will be summarized in a short report as a pre-requisite for the exam.

Learning objectives

The students learn the theoretical basics of data communication as well as the architecture of control systems in mobile machines. Furthermore, they will be able to identify influences and general conditions during usage and derive practical and legal requirements for sensors and control systems. The students will learn methods of machine learning for control tasks in mobile machines as well as their architecture and the handling of training data. After participating in the exercise, they will be able to implement, train and validate a control system for a specific task.

Recommendations

Basic knowledge of electrical engineering and computer science is recommended. Initial programming knowledge, preferably in Python, is required. The number of participants is limited as hardware will be provided for the exercise. Prior registration is required, details will be announced on the web pages of the Institute of Vehicle Systems Engineering / Department of Mobile Machinery. In case of high registration numbers exceeding the capacities, a selection among all interested persons will take place according to qualification.

regular attendance: 21 hours
total self-study: 92 hours

Etschberger, K.: Controller Area Network, Grundlagen, Protokolle, Bausteine, Anwendungen; München, Wien: Carl Hanser Verlag, 2002.
Engels, H.: CAN-Bus - CAN-Bus-Technik einfach, anschaulich und praxisnah dargestellt; Poing: Franzis Verlag, 2002.

CAN-Bus-Technik einfach, anschaulich und praxisnah dargestellt; Poing: Franzis Verlag, 2002.