Complex landscape is designed with autonomous excavator.
The project Robotic Landscaping aims to develop computational tools for automated and digitally controlled landscaping. The excavator can dig and shape complex shapes in the land that could not be achieved through manual excavation methods. The process also utilizes autonomous excavator, HEAP (Hydraulic Excavator for Autonomous Purpose), this time equipped with a bucket, to bring the landscape plans to life.
The excavator has many sensors to create a three-dimensional map of the environment that it uses to help plan independent where to dig. The main challenge in autonomous excavation is the unknown soil. Sometimes it is hard and has lots of rocks in it and sometimes it is soft. It uses its sensors to adapt to different soil types.
The robotic landscape in this park connects the high ground to the lower Eberhard construction yard. Four large embankments are realized with smaller steps on them. The steps are built with a high accuracy by the excavator to prevent water runoff in undesired directions. This is a natural way to prevent erosion without having to place fabric over the ground as is common in conventional methods. These steps and terraces provide an ideal habitat for small animals and plants.