Revolutionizing Agriculture with the Autonomous Mulching Robot Scarabaeus, developed by Tribecraft

Tribecraft is a Swiss company that develops sustainable products, strategies and services. The Scarabaeus, developed by Tribecraft, is a state-of-the-art autonomous mulching robot designed to enhance efficiency in agricultural operations. Leveraging Toradex’s Apalis iMX8, Scarabaeus delivers precise and lightweight vegetation management, reducing the need for herbicides and minimizing environmental impact.

Highlights

Scarabaeus Mulching Robot powered by the Apalis iMX8

Tribecraft faced the challenge of developing an autonomous solution for vegetation management in agriculture, even in challenging terrains. Leveraging the Toradex Apalis iMX8 System on Module, they engineered the Scarabaeus, a mulching robot capable of precisely navigating and trimming vegetation. The Apalis iMX8 was crucial in addressing requirements for ruggedness, reliability, and high performance in outdoor environments.

Connectivity and GPS

Utilizes u-blox ZED-F9P for accurate navigation and incorporates u-blox LARA-R6 LTE Cat 1 for cellular connectivity.

Advanced Sensor Fusion for Localization Algorithm

Relies on Toradex Apalis iMX8 QuadMax for managing tactile sensors and SLAM algorithm for obstacle detection and navigation.

Operation in Extreme Environments

Together with a specifically developed localization and mapping algorithm, as well as a tactile sensor to detect trees and other obstacles, Scarabaeus can navigate precisely through rough environments and uneven surfaces, operating efficiently even in extreme temperatures.


For the application of the Scarabaeus Mulching Robot, we required a high-performance Linux SoM for navigation algorithms, communication, and Rover control. Finding a module capable of operating in a rugged outdoor environment with temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C was challenging. The Apalis iMX8, with its industrial-grade specifications, was a perfect fit.

During the development, the excellent documentation and support from Toradex smoothened the bootstrapping process of our system.

Simon Ebenhoch

Tribecraft AG



Challenge

Farmers needed a way to manage vegetation efficiently in rugged terrains without relying on herbicides or damaging the soil.

Solution

Tribecraft built the Scarabaeus mulching robot, powered by Toradex’s Apalis iMX8QM, combining advanced sensor fusion and SLAM algorithms for reliable, autonomous operation.

Result

With Toradex’s high-performance, rugged SoM, the robot is able to navigate independently in harsh environments, delivering efficient and sustainable vegetation management.

Tribecraft journey with Toradex


  • Challenge: Autonomous navigation even in difficult terrains

    The development of Scarabaeus required overcoming several project constraints. The robot needed to handle high data density and perform robustly in rugged outdoor environments, effectively navigating and operating in difficult terrains, including areas with unreliable satellite coverage. Tribecraft’s team focused on integrating advanced sensor fusion and a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm to ensure precise navigation and control.


  • Strategy: The high-performance Apalis iMX8 QuadMax System on Module

    To meet these demands, Tribecraft turned to the Apalis iMX8 System on Module (SoM). The Apalis iMX8 was essential in running the complex sensor fusion and SLAM algorithms, as well as controlling the robot’s operations. Its industrial-grade specifications allowed Scarabaeus to perform reliably in extreme outdoor conditions.


  • Solution: Localization system and sensor fusion with Apalis iMX8

    Scarabaeus utilizes an innovative localization system and advanced sensor fusion, powered by Toradex’s Apalis iMX8 System on Module. Users prepare a map with task areas, which the robot autonomously learns and refines. This system, developed from scratch, enables precise navigation without visual aids, essential for maneuvering in orchards. The Apalis iMX8 supports complex sensor fusion and SLAM algorithms, ensuring reliable real-time data processing and control. This integration allows Scarabaeus to efficiently navigate around trees and obstacles, reducing the need for herbicides.


  • Outcome: Improved vegetation management in sensitive areas

    The implementation of Scarabaeus led to significant improvements in vegetation management, especially in sensitive areas like orchards. The autonomous robot drastically reduced the need for herbicides, thereby promoting a more eco-friendly approach. Its precise navigation minimized crop damage and noise pollution, creating a more harmonious environment. Additionally, predictive maintenance ensured seamless operation, and the lightweight design of Scarabaeus reduced soil compaction, preserving soil health and enhancing overall agricultural efficiency.

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Starter Kits

Here are some recommended product combinations to get you started. The combinations are fully customizable for your needs.
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Low-End Starter Kit

  • Up to four Cortex-A53 1.4 GHz processors
  • Cortex-M4F processor with speeds up to 400 MHz
  • TI AM62X applications processor
  • Dual-Band 2.4/5 GHz 1x1 Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) + Bluetooth 5.2
  • Torizon IoT Platform: Linux OS Maintenance, Remote Software Updates & Device Management
  • Linux Support included

Modern All-Purpose Starter Kit

  • Free Torizon Cloud with OTA and Developer Tool integration
  • Several Display interfaces LVDS/DSI/HDMI
  • Inline ECC Memory for high reliability
  • Machine Learning Accelerator and Camera Interfaces
  • Compact and Cost-effective

High-Performance Advanced Functional Safety Features

  • Free Torizon Cloud with OTA and Developer Tool integration
  • Highest CPU and GPU performance
  • Integrated Microcontroller for Safety or Realtime
  • Also Available with QNX

High-End HMI With Wi-Fi Starter Kit

Aquila AM69 Evaluation Kit

  • CSI Camera - 5MP, Dual-Lane MIPI CSI output
  • 10.1 inch Capacitive Touch Display, 1280x800, Quad-Lane MIPI DSI output
  • Up to eight Cortex-72 2 GHz processors
  • Two Cortex-R4F processor with speeds up to 1 GHz
  • TI AM69X applications processor
  • Dual-Band 2.4/5 GHz 2x2 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 5.3
  • Complete active thermal solution
  • Torizon IoT Platform: Linux OS Maintenance, Remote Software Updates & Device Management
  • Linux Support included
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