ARPA PS1 - Qualification of Positioning Systems for Agricultural Robots

You might have a positioning system you're excited to integrate into your agricultural robot. However, you need independent, traceable measurements to measure its adequacy for your navigation, control, or safety requirements. This insight will help you decide whether to continue with this technology or explore other options. Once you engage with our service, you'll receive a comprehensive qualification report detailing the positioning system's performance in controlled test conditions. This valuable information allows you to confidently assess whether the system aligns with your needs or if exploring alternatives is the way forward. Our evaluation offers reliable data to minimize technical risks, develop complete systems based on characterized positioning systems, prevent costly redesigns, and set you up for a successful transition to future field testing. We're here to support your project's success every step of the way!

ARPA PS1 uses a laser-tracking system to measure the positioning system's output metrics accurately. The test consists of multiple runs along a predefined path, incorporating various terrain configurations and obstacles to replicate real-world agricultural conditions effectively. Tests are available year-round and can therefore also be carried out during quiet periods in agricultural activity, allowing progress on developments to be made before the following season. Each test lasts approximately five days , depending on the conditions established during the technical meeting, and is carried out on the premises of INRAE - Montoldre -AgroTechnoPôle in France (just two hours from Lyon) or at specifically selected sites, thereby facilitating test implementation. A manufacturer's representative will be present to ensure that the systems are operating at nominal capacity and to facilitate interfacing between the reference system and the system to be qualified. Technical documents may be shared to provide a thorough understanding of how the systems work and their scope of operation. Our service process is clearly described and established. It starts with an online discussion to understand your goals and needs. We then work together to define the test conditions, dates, and any associated costs. After performing the processing and analysis, we present our findings in a meeting and provide a detailed technical report. This service targets manufacturers of agricultural robots and equipment suppliers. This test is part of the ARPA (Agricultural Robot Performance Assessment) series. It is identified as ARPA n (where m is 1, 2, 3, etc.) for test focusing on safety functions, and as ARPA XXn for other performance evaluations.

Customizing the ARPA PS1 test provides multiple benefits! While the standard service assesses a single system, we eagerly welcome requests for comparative testing of various positioning modules and for testing methods tailored to your needs. Just a friendly reminder: thorough discussions about technical specifics are essential, and complex setups may need a bit more preparation time. We’re excited to assist you! To ensure the accuracy of the ARPA PS1 test and overall satisfaction, it's essential to have a manufacturer's technical representative present during the tests, but exchanges with all development teams are possible throughout the service. The discussion will enable us to determine which documents to send you. We are flexible in conducting tests at your chosen location. While we typically perform these tests at our state-of-the-art facilities—designed for precise, consistent measurements—we understand that operational or logistical needs may require conducting them on-site at the manufacturer’s premises. In such cases, additional requirements will be needed to ensure everything runs smoothly. When conducting tests at TEF facilities, it's vital to provide the positioning system and system documentation and ensure communication protocols and data formats are readily available. For tests at customer locations, we should also obtain access permissions, designate an appropriate test area, and conditions.