Skip to main content

Towards a Digital Twin - Modelling an Agricultural Vehicle

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, Verification and Validation: Tools and Trends (ISoLA 2020)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNTCS,volume 12479))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

In this work, we present the initial steps in the development of a digital twin of the agricultural autonomous vehicle, Robotti. A model of the vehicle dynamics is initially developed in the open-source multi-physics code, Chrono, and then wrapped as a Functional Mock-up Unit. We provide an overview of the envisioned digital twin system and a description of currently implemented features. The dynamic system of the vehicle chassis is characterised by the implementation of a revolute joint that ensures wheel–surface contact in uneven terrain. The vehicle dynamics model is applied for testing two scenarios describing the loads on the vehicle as a consequence of this mechanism. Finally, we give pointers to future work on modelling the Robotti and the establishment of a digital twin.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. 1.

    https://projectchrono.org/.

  2. 2.

    http://fmi-standard.org/.

  3. 3.

    https://fmi-standard.org/tools/.

  4. 4.

    Available at https://www.rabbitmq.com/, visited December 14, 2020.

  5. 5.

    Available at https://github.com/INTO-CPS-Association/fmu-rabbitmq, visited December 14, 2020.

  6. 6.

    Available at https://gitlab.au.dk/software-engineering/chronofmu_isola along with a demonstration, visited January 7, 2021.

  7. 7.

    See https://projects.au.dk/agrorobottifleet/, visited December 14, 2020.

  8. 8.

    One such tool is being developed at the Centre for Digital Twins of Aarhus University: https://digit.au.dk/centre-for-digital-twins/, visited December 14, 2020.

References

  1. Benatti, S., Tasora, A., Fusai, D., Mangoni, D.: A modular simulation platform for training robots via deep reinforcement learning and multibody dynamics. In: ACM International Conference Proceeding Series (2019). https://doi.org/10.1145/3365265.3365274

  2. Blochwitz, T., et al.: Functional mockup Interface 2.0: the standard for tool independent exchange of simulation models. In: 9th International Modelica Conference, Munich, Germany, pp. 173–184. Linköping University Electronic Press, November 2012. https://doi.org/10.3384/ecp12076173

  3. Bogomolov, S., et al.: Tuning Robotti: the machine-assisted exploration of parameter spaces in multi-models of a cyber-physical system. In: Oda, T., Fitzgerald, J. (eds.) 18th Overture Workshop, 7 December 2020 (online) (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Chrono: An open source framework for the physics-based simulation of dynamic systems (2020). https://projectchrono.org. Accessed 25 June 2020

  5. Cundall, P.A., Strack, O.D.L.: A discrete numerical model for granular assemblies. Géotechnique 29(1), 47–65 (1979)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. ten Damme, L., et al.: Construction of modern wide, low-inflation pressure tyres per se does not affect soil stress. Soil Tillage Res. 204, 104708 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2020.104708

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Fitzgerald, J., Larsen, P.G., Pierce, K.: Multi-modelling and co-simulation in the engineering of cyber-physical systems: towards the digital twin. In: ter Beek, M.H., Fantechi, A., Semini, L. (eds.) From Software Engineering to Formal Methods and Tools, and Back. LNCS, vol. 11865, pp. 40–55. Springer, Cham (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30985-5_4

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  8. Foldager, F., Pedersen, J., Skov, E., Evgrafova, A., Green, O.: Lidar-based 3D scans of soil surfaces and furrows in two soil types. Sensors (Switzerland) 19(3), 34 (2019). https://doi.org/10.3390/s19030661

  9. Foldager, F.F., Balling, O., Gamble, C., Larsen, P.G., Boel, M., Green, O.: Design space exploration in the development of agricultural robots. In: Proceedings of the AgEng2018 Conference (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Foldager, F.F., Larsen, P.G., Green, O.: Development of a driverless lawn mower using co-simulation. In: Cerone, A., Roveri, M. (eds.) SEFM 2017. LNCS, vol. 10729, pp. 330–344. Springer, Cham (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74781-1_23

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  11. Gomes, C., Thule, C., Broman, D., Larsen, P.G., Vangheluwe, H.: Co-simulation: a survey. ACM Comput. Surv. 51(3), 49:1–49:33 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Grimstad, L., From, P.J.: The Thorvald II agricultural robotic system. Robotics 6(4), 45 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics6040024,http://www.mdpi.com/2218-6581/6/4/24

  13. Janosi, Z., Hanamoto, B.: The analytical determination of drawbar pull as a function of slip for tracked vehicles in defarmable soils. In: Proceedings of 1st International Conference of ISTVS, Turin (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Legaard, C.M., Gomes, C., Larsen, P.G., Foldager, F.F.: Rapid prototyping of self-adaptive-systems using Python functional mockup units. In: SummerSim 2020. ACM, New York, NY, USA (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Rakhsha, M., Pazouki, A., Serban, R., Negrut, D.: Using a half-implicit integration scheme for the SPH-based solution of fluid-solid interaction problems. Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 345, 100–122 (2019)

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  16. Recuero, A., Serban, R., Peterson, B., Sugiyama, H., Jayakumar, P., Negrut, D.: A high-fidelity approach for vehicle mobility simulation: nonlinear finite element tires operating on granular material. J. Terramechanics 72, 39–54 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jterra.2017.04.002

  17. Saunders, C., Ucgul, M., Godwin, R.J.: Discrete element method (DEM) simulation to improve performance of a mouldboard skimmer. Soil Tillage Res. 205, 104764 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2020.104764

  18. Schweiger, G., et al.: Functional mock-up interface: an empirical survey identifies research challenges and current barriers. In: The American Modelica Conference, Cambridge, MA, USA (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Skovsen, S., et al.: Estimation of the botanical composition of clover-grass leys from RGB images using data simulation and fully convolutional neural networks. Sensors (Switzerland) 17(12), 56 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3390/s17122930

  20. Tasora, A., Mangoni, D., Negrut, D., Serban, R., Jayakumar, P.: Deformable soil with adaptive level of detail for tracked and wheeled vehicles 5(1), 60–76 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1504/IJVP.2019.097098

  21. Tasora, A., et al.: Chrono: an open source multi-physics dynamics engine. In: Kozubek, T., Blaheta, R., Šístek, J., Rozložník, M., Čermák, M. (eds.) HPCSE 2015. LNCS, vol. 9611, pp. 19–49. Springer, Cham (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40361-8_2

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  22. Thule, C., Gomes, C., Lausdahl, K.G.: Formally Verified FMI Enabled External Data Broker: Rabbitmq FMU. Society for Computer Simulation International, San Diego (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Thule, C., Lausdahl, K., Gomes, C., Meisl, G., Larsen, P.G.: Maestro: the INTO-CPS co-simulation framework. Simul. Model. Pract. Theory 92, 45–61 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Verhoef, M., Larsen, P.G.: Enhancing VDM++ for Modeling Distributed Embedded Real-time Systems. Technical Report (to appear), Radboud University Nijmegen, a preliminary version of this report, (March 2006). https://www.cs.ru.nl/marcelv/vdm/

  25. Wong, J.Y., Reece, A.R.: Prediction of rigid wheel performance based on the analysis of soil-wheel stresses: part II. Performance of towed rigid wheels. J. Terramechanics 4(2), 7–25 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Woodcock, J., Gomes, C., Macedo, H.D., Larsen, P.G.: Uncertainty quantification and runtime monitoring using environment-aware digital twins. In: Isola 2021 (2021)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Innovation Fund Denmark under grant number 7038-00231B. We acknowledge the European Union for funding the INTO-CPS project (Grant Agreement 644047), which developed the open tool chain and the INTO-CPS Application; the Poul Due Jensen Foundation that funded subsequent work on taking this forward towards the engineering of digital twins; and the European Union for funding the HUBCAP project (Grant Agreement 872698). The authors would like to acknowledge the developers of Project Chrono. We would also like to acknowledge Zachary Gasick from the University of Wisconsin for inputs to the Chrono model. And finally a great thanks to Prof. Dan Negrut and Dr. Radu Serban from University of Wisconsin for valuable discussions and inputs.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frederik F. Foldager .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Foldager, F.F., Thule, C., Balling, O., Larsen, P. (2021). Towards a Digital Twin - Modelling an Agricultural Vehicle. In: Margaria, T., Steffen, B. (eds) Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, Verification and Validation: Tools and Trends. ISoLA 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12479. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83723-5_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83723-5_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-83722-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-83723-5

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics