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Sirvi Autor "Haapala, H." järgi

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  • Pisipilt
    Kirje
    Advancing precision agriculture: a case study of open source autosteering with AgOpenGPS and RTKbase
    (Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Linna, P.; Haapala, H.
    Precision agriculture increasingly relies on Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) services to perform highly accurate tasks in the field. Robotics are gradually entering farming, demanding precise and reliable correction signals. However, before widespread adoption of autonomous field robots becomes a reality, automated tractors will remain in use for a significant period, becoming progressively more advanced. The market is currently filled with various manufacturers offering aftermarket autosteering systems, which incrementally bring farmers closer to the functionality of fully autonomous field robots. This study explores open-source solutions for cost-effective autosteering systems and RTK base stations. The project involved retrofitting a single farmer’s tractor with an autosteering system and establishing an RTK base station. As the pilot progressed, word of the implementation spread, leading to the creation of a dedicated communication channel for interested farmers. This platform has facilitated knowledge sharing and further adoption. Information about the project also reached other regions, inspiring similar initiatives that have significantly increased the number of RTK base stations in just two years. The results of this project demonstrate a strong demand for alternative solutions. Many farmers lack the financial resources to invest in expensive, proprietary systems or are unwilling to commit to recurring subscription fees. The goal remains the same, regardless of the implementation method, agriculture is moving steadily toward smarter, more precise practices and the eventual adoption of field robotics.
  • Pisipilt
    Kirje
    Evaluating the efficiency, environmental impact, and operator benefits of GPS guidance and autosteer technologies in agricultural field operations
    (Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Haapala, H.; Sarvela, K.; Kalmari, J.; Appelgrén, I.; Linna, P.
    This study evaluated the benefits of GPS guidance and autosteer technologies in agricultural operations through a three-year field experiment conducted at the Smart Bioeconomy Testbed in Central Finland. Adjacent fields were sown either with or without the use of GPS guidance and autosteer, while all other variables were standardized to isolate the impact of the technologies. The movement of the tractor–seeder combination was precisely tracked using RTK GPS with centimetre-level accuracy, and operational parameters were recorded via ISOBUS, supplemented by external measurements of environmental and agronomic factors. Key findings demonstrated that GPS-guided autosteer operations reduced total work time by 9.7% (p < 0.01), primarily due to a 21% (p < 0.01) decrease in overlap and unnecessary movement. This operational efficiency translated into a 20% (p < 0.01) reduction in fuel consumption and a corresponding decrease in CO₂ emissions per hectare. Moreover, GPS-based automation produced more uniform traffic patterns, mitigating localized soil compaction. Operator well-being also improved, with a 10% (p < 0.01) reduction in average heart rate, suggesting reduced physical strain. These benefits were particularly significant in small, irregular fields typical of Finnish agriculture. In conclusion, GPS guidance and autosteer technologies significantly enhance operational efficiency by reducing fuel use, field time, and emissions. These benefits are particularly pronounced in smaller fields, such as those typical in Finland, where improved manoeuvrability yields greater returns. While the technologies contribute positively to operator well-being, individual responses may vary. Further research is needed to assess long-term impacts, explore integration with advanced technologies such as robotics and AI-driven decision support systems, and address the challenges associated with broader adoption.