AI Advancements Facilitate the Rising of Intelligent Robots
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, such as neural networks, SLAM, machine learning, deep learning, etc., has significantly accelerated the growth of the robotics industry. As technology keeps advancing, enabled smart devices such as drones, robots, AGVs, etc., have become popular in recent years. These robots, capable of performing various tasks, such as processing complex tasks in real-time, conducting edge computing, and assisting predictive analysis, have become prevalent in diverse industries. By implementing these smart robots, sectors such as smart urban centers, healthcare facilities, industrial complexes, retail enterprises, etc., can attain facilitation and operational effectiveness.
Representing this explosive trend are AI robots in the form of courier delivery robots, food service robots, shopping mall guides, cleaning bots, lawn-mowing robots, etc. The lawn-mowing robot industry, in particular, is experiencing continuous growth and expansion. The demand for efficient and convenient lawn-mowing solutions has been increasing tremendously due to a need for robotic and electric lawnmowers.
According to a report from Statista, the global lawnmower market value is predicted to reach approximately 44 billion U.S. dollars by 2027. The potential of the global lawnmower market is tremendous. The rise in sports activities and the proliferation of golf courses are contributing to the demand for lawn-mowing equipment. As urban areas continue to expand and more residential lawns become prevalent, the need for residential lawnmowers is also on the rise.
Industry Challenges
Over time, the lawnmower market has undergone substantial changes, largely due to advances in technology. In the past, traditional manual lawnmowers required individuals to put in physical effort to move the mower across the lawn. These machines had limited capabilities and heavily relied on the user's skill to ensure the grass was cut evenly and effectively. However, things have taken a significant turn with the advent of innovations. The industry is now transitioning towards automatic lawnmowers, driven by the rising demand for intelligent solutions in residential gardening and sports activities and a greater understanding of the benefits that come with automated landscape maintenance systems. This shift, though promising, does come with its own set of challenges. As automatic lawnmowers become more integrated into our lives, new complexities arise that require careful consideration of their efficiency, limitations, and the necessary improvements to fully harness their potential.
Currently, there are several typical difficulties in the robotic lawnmower industry. First of all, most robotic lawnmowers typically employ a random approach, where the machine moves erratically across the lawn until it encounters the boundary wire that marks its operating area. Upon hitting the wire, it changes direction and continues mowing until it hits the boundary again. As a result, this process can be time-consuming, especially for larger lawns, requiring the lawn mower to remain operational for extended periods. Furthermore, the maintenance costs for such equipment tend to be high.
Moreover, traditional lawnmowers also face challenges such as repetitive mowing in some areas and leaving patches of grass uncut. This highlights the importance of finding solutions to ensure that automated lawnmowers address these blind spots. Furthermore, in outdoor environments, traditional lawnmowers need to be better equipped to handle complex terrains, adverse weather conditions, and obstacles. As the realm of automatic lawnmowers continues to evolve, finding ways to overcome these obstacles will be crucial in shaping the future of landscape maintenance technology.
Fibocom AIC Intelligent Computing Solutions Empower Smarter Lawn Mower
In the expansive lawnmower market, Fibocom’s AIC intelligent computing module solution integrates cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous driving, machine vision, artificial intelligence, neural networks, and high-precision differential GPS positioning. This comprehensive solution is made for the robotics industry, empowering robots with unparalleled capabilities in environmental perception, precise positioning, map construction, path planning, and autonomous obstacle avoidance.
Fibocom AIC intelligent computing module solutions embedded in visual AI algorithms equip intelligent lawnmowers with extraordinary accuracy when identifying crucial lawn boundaries, such as fences, trees, and flower beds. By utilizing RTK positioning, the system achieves exceptional centimeter-level recognition precision. Furthermore, the AIC module incorporates intelligent path planning algorithms, enabling the lawnmower to optimize its mowing route based on the area's shape. Notably, the visual perception module integrated harnesses Fibocom perception algorithms, facilitating real-time environmental data acquisition for the lawnmower robot and navigating through both dynamic and static obstacles.
Fibocom AIC Module Recommendations
High-level AIC Intelligent Computing Module SC171
Fibocom SC171 is a high computing power AIC intelligent computing module adopting an octa-core processor, with robust computing power. Highly integrated functions, such as CPU, GPU, cDSP+AI DSP, memory (RAM), storage (FLASH), as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ISP, are powered by the Qualcomm QCS6490 system-on-chip. Notably, it features a dual-core cDSP HVX512+4K AI DSP HMX with an impressive 12 TOPS of computing power. The module boasts a variety of rich interfaces, including PCIe, MIPI, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, and GPIO. Furthermore, it is equipped with an open Ubuntu20.04 operating system. It also enables a maximum of 4 channels of camera inputs, which allow smooth 4K video playing, providing excellent quality image display. Beyond this, its multimedia capabilities encompass 4K@30fps video encoding, 4K@60fps decoding, and a range of audio and voice functionalities.
Mid-level AIC Intelligent Computing Module SC138
The SC138 module is designed with the Qualcomm QCM6125 platform. It has an Octa-core high-end platform 4*A73 2.0g +4*A53 1.8g processor and an integrated high-performance graphics engine, which can play 4K video smoothly and support multi-channel camera input. SC138 offers a diverse range of long-distance communication modes and incorporates short-distance 2.4G+5G wireless transmission technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also boasts support for GNSS positioning technology. The SC138 comes with an open Ubuntu operating system with rich extension interfaces such as MIPI/ USB/ UART/ SPI/ I2C.
Entry-level AIC Intelligent Computing Module SC126
Fibocom SC126 is an entry-level AIC intelligent computing module. Highly integrated, it combines CPU, GPU, RAM, FLASH storage, and functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, ISP, GPS, and more. Powered by the Qualcomm QCM2290 system-on-chip, SC126 features a Quad-core CortexA53 processor built on advanced 11nm technology. It is equipped with an open Linux operating system with rich multimedia processing capabilities. It can connect to an FHD screen (1920 x 1080@30fps), supporting multi-channel camera input and integrated AI intelligent algorithms. The module follows an LCC+LGA form factor, aiding customers in flexible terminal equipment development.