Sylvestria, geolocation technologies applied to robotics
The Asturian company Sylvestria wanted to solve the lack of geolocation solutions that can be adapted to mobile robotic systems in contexts with limited connectivity, such as the agricultural environment. This goal was achieved thanks to the technical advice it received from our partner Idonial, through the services it provides within the framework of AsDIH.
What problems does it seek to solve or improve?
Currently, many solutions depend on the robot manufacturer or a constant Internet connection, which limits their applicability. Sylvestria aims to solve this limitation by developing a geolocation system that is independent of connectivity and the manufacturer, and that also allows the position of the mobile robot to be seen at all times.
The company also wants this system to be modular, easy to integrate into different types of robots, and compatible with visualization platforms such as Mapviz. This will improve the interoperability, control, and supervision of mobile robotic systems in demanding and disconnected environments.
What digital technology is used to address the issue?
To address the identified issue, the project uses a set of digital technologies focused on geolocation and integration in robotic environments. Initially, GPS-based positioning technologies and inertial measurement units (IMU) were used, which are essential for obtaining accurate real-time location data, even in contexts with limited connectivity.
These technologies were integrated into the ROS (Robot Operating System) development environment, a standard platform in the field of robotics that enables efficient interoperability between hardware and software components.
The specific technological actions developed include:
- Research into hardware and software suitable for the geolocation of mobile robots, including different types of GPS and IMU-based solutions, especially geared towards offline contexts.
- Development of modular software in C++, which allows location data from GPS antennas and IMU to be recorded and managed, facilitating its integration into various systems.
- Integration of the geolocation system into Idonial’s own mobile robot, using ROS as the operating environment to interpret and manage geolocation signals.
- Validation of the system in offline contexts, checking the transmission and reception of GPS signals, the operation of the IMU without connectivity, and the correct display of data through the Mapviz tool.
What results does it imply, and what impact does it have?
The results of the project were highly satisfactory. A geolocation system capable of effectively recording and processing GPS and IMU signals, even in environments without connectivity, was successfully developed. In addition, the system was designed with a modular approach, ensuring its compatibility and integration with different types of mobile robots, regardless of their manufacturer.
This development provides Sylvestria with a highly versatile and valuable technological tool, as it allows it to expand the capabilities of its robotic systems without relying on specific infrastructure or permanent connectivity. The main impact lies in improved interoperability, operational autonomy in rural or disconnected environments, and the strengthening of Sylvestria’s technological capacity to develop robotic solutions adapted to demanding contexts.
About the company
The Asturian company Sylvestria is dedicated to engineering projects for the research, development, and implementation of all types of equipment and machinery.