Process Monitoring
LEMKEN focuses on the acquisition and evaluation of condition parameters for process monitoring and the assessment of work quality. Existing solutions require regular manual inspections. A holistic view of the overall work result is lacking, as is the ability to detect potential errors at an early stage.
The material flow monitoring module (iQblue flow control) provides camera-based real-time monitoring of crop residue and soil flow through the tine section of the cultivator. Image processing is used to detect critical accumulations of material, such as crop residue or soil, within a defined region of interest (ROI). The objective is to detect potential blockages in the tine section at an early stage, enabling preventive control measures to be initiated before they result in process interruptions.
The tool monitoring module (iQblue tool monitoring) enables automated, camera-based condition monitoring of the cultivator shares at the headland. AI-based image analysis detects damaged or missing tools without requiring manual visual inspection by the operator.
The quality monitoring module (iQblue quality control) uses various sensors, such as LiDAR and cameras, to assess work quality parameters including soil cover, residue incorporation, soil crumbling and surface levelling.
Semi-autonomous and autonomous systems in agriculture can only succeed and provide added value to users if they operate reliably and without disruptions. This requires continuous monitoring of the working process and accurate assessment of its performance. Such monitoring enables the early detection of blockages, tool breakages and tine failures, helping to reduce unplanned downtime.
Suitable implements for carrying out the mission are suggested as early as the planning phase. Predictive maintenance enables individual forecasts of the remaining service life of tools by continuously detecting damage events. This allows maintenance and tool replacements to be carried out proactively, precisely and according to actual needs, rather than at fixed intervals.
During operation, the retrofit kit monitors the individual tools of the implement as part of its blockage management system. Non-optical sensors collect relevant process data, such as vibrations, rotational speed, forces and oil pressure. The recorded measurements are compared with normal operating parameters and evaluated locally in real time. If characteristic deviations are detected through sensor data fusion, appropriate countermeasures can be initiated automatically. These may include adjusting the working angle, stone protection pressure or the contact pressure of the harrow tines within the implement.
TIM will also enable the working process to be optimized through the tractor, for example by adjusting the driving speed or working depth. This will help improve operational reliability, make better use of tool service life and increase the efficiency of agricultural operations.
Funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space
