Utilizing a Self-steering Robotic Tractor in the Developmental Phases of Rice
14 January 2015 - 7:33PM
JCN Newswire (English)
- Feasibility Study on Using Quasi-Zenith Satellite System for
Precision Farming in Australia -
Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd., and Yanmar Co., Ltd.,
have been commissioned to conduct a study on the effective use
overseas of advanced positioning signals from Japan's Quasi-Zenith
Satellite System (QZSS), organized by the Ministry of Internal
Affairs and Communications of Japan.
The study seeks to verify that advanced positioning signals
transmitted from the QZSS can be used in precision farming in
Australia. Specifically, demonstration tests will be conducted
using the advanced positioning signals to control a self-steering
robotic tractor and perform actual farm work in a paddy field. At
present, technical validation is in progress for three
high-precision positioning methods: 1) RTNet, 2) RMIT, and 3)
MADOCA. The demonstration tests aim to determine the optimal
positioning method for precision farming in Australia.
The mainstream positioning method, precise point positioning (PPP),
receives positioning data directly from GPS satellites. The
challenge is that this provides limited accuracy with an error of
approximately 10-20 centimeters, and cannot be replaced with data
of centimeter-level accuracy. The study aims to enhance positioning
accuracy by employing a new method, precise point positioning with
ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR), using Australia's electronic datum
points, and make it possible to perform accurate farm work with an
error of 5 centimeters. The first demonstration test, conducted in
late November 2014 during the growth stage of rice, succeeded in
controlling the self-steering robotic tractor so that its tires run
between rows of planted rice. In January 2015, the tractor will be
used to monitor growth conditions. The study will continue
thereafter, performing several aspects of farm work at different
timings.
Following the study, farm workers and government officials will be
interviewed based on the demonstration test results to identify
challenges in commercializing precision farming employing advanced
positioning signals. In the future, a consortium is scheduled to be
organized centering on the three commissioned companies to actively
promote precision farming. Plans include further enhancing the
accuracy of positioning data, applying the technology to other
programs, and expanding services to regions other than Australia,
such as Japan and Asia.
For more information visit
http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2015/01/150114.html.
About Hitachi
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers
innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team
and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated
revenues for fiscal 2013 (ended March 31, 2014) totaled 9,616
billion yen ($93.4 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on
the Social Innovation Business, which includes infrastructure
systems, information & telecommunication systems, power
systems, construction machinery, high functional materials &
components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more
information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at
http://www.hitachi.com.
Source: Hitachi
Contact:
Hitachi Ltd
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-3258-1111
Copyright 2015 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.japancorp.net
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