Our GPS-Denied Trailer Localization module lets you automate vehicles that tow trailers, without sticking a GPS on each trailer.
Figuring out where a vehicle's trailer is usually requires a GPS unit on the trailer. But, when you're swapping trailers all the time, that gets expensive!
Last week, we introduced our GPS-Denied Trailer Localization module, giving you a better way to calculate trailer location without needing a GPS unit on the trailer. This module is an extension of our core autonomy stack, so you can use it on its own, or together with our full autonomous navigation solution.
When an autonomous vehicle is towing a trailer, figuring out the trailer's position and angle is critical for the vehicle to understand its footprint. We call this "trailer localization," which typically relies on a GPS unit attached to the trailer.
However, a GPS unit costs $5k minimum. Since industrial operators often use multiple trailers that get switched out, $5k per trailer adds up quickly across a whole fleet.
That’s why we built GPS-Denied Trailer Localization – your intelligent trailer localizer that uses sensors on the vehicle, not the trailers.
Say goodbye to the need for costly GPS units on every trailer. With this module, you can localize trailers intelligently and using fewer sensors.
Our GPS-Denied Trailer Localization Module uses intelligent algorithms to calculate real-time trailer position and orientation data without relying on GPS. Here's how it works:
1. Rear-Facing Lidar Unit: The heart of the system is two rear-facing Lidar units installed on your off-highway vehicle. The Lidars continuously scan the area behind the vehicle, capturing detailed information about the trailer’s shape from the vehicle’s viewpoint.
2. Knowledge of Trailer Dimensions: To accurately calculate the position and orientation of the trailer, our system user's the trailer's dimensions to interpret the Lidar scans effectively.
3. Real-Time Calculations: Our algorithm calculates the precise position and orientation of the trailer based on the Lidar scans and trailer dimensions. This data is seamlessly integrated into your vehicle's control system, providing it with the information needed for safe and efficient operation.
Here’s a video of GPS-Denied Trailer Localization in action:
1. Cost-Efficiency: The biggest plus here? Massive cost savings! You won't have to shell out for a GPS on every trailer, which means a major cut in your upfront spending for rolling out the autonomous solution.
2. Enhanced Efficiency and Safety: Equipped with real-time trailer position and orientation data, your autonomous off-highway vehicle can operate more efficiently and safely. Precision in maneuvering means fewer accidents, less damage, and reduced downtime caused by misalignment or misjudgment.
3. Future-Proofing Your Autonomy Stack: Say goodbye to reconfiguring the system anytime you change the hardware. GPS-Denied Trailer Localization will always work with your system and be consistently updated as hardware improves.
Thanks to our GPS-Denied Trailer Localization module, your autonomous off-highway vehicles can now tow trailers smarter, safer, and more flexibly. No need to break the bank on GPS units for every trailer – let your off-highway operations venture into uncharted territory!
Just like our other Autonomous Navigation Modules, GPS-Denied Trailer Localization is versatile. You can use it as a stand-alone enhancement for your existing autonomy setup or combine it with the full solution for instant out-of-the-box autonomous navigation.
Want to learn more about how GPS-Denied Trailer Localization can speed up your autonomy roadmap? Contact Sales today for a demo.
Stefan is CEO & Co-Founder of Polymath. He formerly co-founded Starsky Robotics, the first company to drive an unmanned truck on a public highway. He's been featured in CBS Good Morning, 60 Minutes, WSJ, and Forbes 30 Under 30.
Get updates & robotics insights from Polymath when you sign up for emails.
Polymath Robotics © 2022