Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to a system and method for obtaining data from machines being disconnected from a network. Each machine may be equipped with a data hauling device, e. a data hauling device. The data hauling device may be configured to collect data on machine diagnostics, performance, maintenance, location, usage, fuel levels or status data of a machine.

<CIT> discloses an autonomous agricultural vehicle and a data transfer station.

The data transfer station comprises a first communications device for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate and a second communications device adapted for long-range communication. The agricultural vehicle proceeds to the data transfer station when the data storage of the agricultural vehicle is full or nearly full and the vehicle needs to transfer data to the data transfer station in order to free up memory on the data storage of the agricultural vehicle.

Due to the fact that the vehicle will proceed to the data transfer station based on a capacity of the data storage of the agricultural vehicle, the field operation of the vehicle will be interrupted and the return to the data transfer station will lead to a more intense soil compaction.

<CIT> discloses a repeater system for an autonomous agricultural vehicle to send a RTK correction information to another autonomous agricultural vehicle being outside the coverage area of a base station. Thus, the range of the base station can be extended even further for propagating the RTK correction information up to its validity range. However, the repeater functionality is not capable to transfer a huge amount of data between the two agricultural vehicles and / or the base station.

Finally, the capacities of preferred data storages for industrial or agricultural applications, especially for embedded systems or electronic control units (ECU) due to high real time performance requirements, are very limited. But that limitation is contrary to the requirements of agricultural applications which generate a great amount of data to be stored when an operation in the field is driven by protocols and/or recorded by an agricultural vehicle.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a robotic system for transferring data, especially a fast transfer of a great amount of data, between a mobile robot and a logistic unit without the need of the mobile robot to return to the logistic unit for the transfer of data.

The invention is directed to a method for exchanging data within a robotic system according to the claims <NUM> to <NUM>, a controller configured to carry out the method according to claim <NUM> and a logistic unit according to claim <NUM>.

The robotic system comprises a mobile field robot for operating in a field and a mobile service robot, wherein each of the field robot and the service robot comprise a buffer for storing data and a first communication device with a short-range communication reach for exchanging data with each other. The field robot is configured to operate in a subfield of the field and the service robot is configured to operate exclusively out of the subfield. The method for exchanging data within the robotic system comprises the steps:.

The field robot is preferably an autonomous agricultural robot having a tool to treat an agricultural field, e. a seeding unit or a weeding unit. While the field robot is operating in the field, the field robot can follow protocol or record its operation and save the operational data about the field operation to its buffer. For example, the field robot can record the position of each single seed placed in the field and document the seeding by a video stream. Due to the limited storage capacity of the buffer, the buffer can get full of data before the operation finished. The free available buffer space can be monitored continuously to detect the insufficient buffer space and to recognize (i.e. automatically detect) the necessity of a data transfer for the field robot.

To avoid a data loss e. due to a buffer overflow, and to keep buffer space available for the completion of the operation, the recorded data about the field operation needs to be backed up to a data storage external from the field robot, preferably to a logistic unit having sufficient data storage capacity, e. in terms of a local data storage or a cloud storage. Afterwards, the buffer of the field robot can be freed up to provide buffer space for further recordings of the field operation.

A necessity of a data transfer for the field robot can also be recognized if any other issue arises, for example a shortcoming of the buffer of the field robot, especially a shortcoming preventing a completion of the field operation by the affected robot. The necessity of a data transfer can arise if data should be transferred from the buffer of the field robot to the logistic unit or if data should be transferred from the logistic unit to the field robot.

In the case that the logistic unit is out of the short-range communication reach of the first communication device of the field robot, a data transfer to back up the data of the buffer of the field robot is not possible. Thus, the service robot can be commanded to approach to the field robot so that the service robot will be covered by the short-range communication reach of the first communication device of the field robot. Then, the field robot can be commanded to transfer the data of the buffer of the field robot to the service robot. After the data transfer, the buffer of the field robot can be freed up.

The service robot containing the data of the field robot can be commanded to move in proximity to the logistic unit so that the logistic unit is covered by the short-range communication reach of the first communication device of the service robot and to transfer the data of the field robot to the logistic unit. Thus, the data of the field robot can be transferred to the logistic unit without the need of the field robot to return to the logistic unit.

The field can be divided and can comprise at least one subfield. Preferably, the field robot is configured to operate in one of the at least one subfield whereas the service robot is configured to operate exclusively out of the subfield. For example, the field robot can be guided along a path extending through the subfield whereas the service robot is guided along a path extending out of the subfield only having no interference with the path in the subfield. Preferably, the headland surrounds the subfield so that the headland is uncovered by the subfield and the path of the service robot extends through the headland only. Hence, a collision between the field robot and the service robot within the subfield can be avoided. Additionally, the soil compaction within the subfield can be reduced if the service robot is inhibited to traverse through the subfield.

If the path of the field robot and the path of the service robot are spaced apart further than the short-range communication reach of the first communication devices of the robots, a dead zone exists. In other words, the dead zone is characterized in that the field robot and the service robot each are not coverable by the short-range communication reach of the other robot when the field robot is located in the dead zone. When the field robot moves within the dead zone, the data transfer between the field robot and the service robot will be interrupted. But the short-range communication reaches of the field robot and the service robot as well as all locations that can be arrived by the both robots (according to their paths) are known to the robotic system. Based on this information, the dead zone can be determined by the method.

In a further step, the method can check whether the free buffer space of the field robot is sufficient for a field operation in the dead zone, especially to cross the dead zone. If the free buffer space is insufficient, the method will recognize a necessity of a data transfer. As a consequence, the field robot can be stopped before entering the dead zone to avoid that the field robot will become stuck in the dead zone.

Preferably, the service robot is commanded to approach to the field robot before the buffer of the field robot runs out of data to reduce down time of the field robot. Thus, the method will recognize a necessity of a data transfer if a threshold of data stored to the buffer of the field robot is exceeded. The threshold can be set to any value, e. <NUM>% of the buffer size. The threshold can be monitored by a controller of the field robot. If the threshold is exceeded, the logistic unit can command the service robot to approach to the field robot as described above.

When the service robot is close enough to the field robot, a data transfer can be initiated to transfer the operational data of the field robot from the buffer of the field robot to the buffer of the service robot. After the data backup, the buffer space of the field robot can be freed up.

Possibly the data size containing a full path and all tasks allocated to the full path for a complete field operation of the field robot is too big to be stored to the buffer of the field robot at once due to the limited buffer size. Instead, a path segment of the full path together with the tasks allocated to the path segment only can be stored to the buffer. After the field robot has finished the field operation along the first path segment, the path segment can be replaced by a subsequent path segment with allocated tasks for a continuous path operation. To indicate that a replacement of a path segment is needed, the position of the field robot and its distance to the end of the path segment can be monitored and the point in time when the data for the subsequent path with the allocated tasks will be missing can be determined.

Thus, a necessity of a data transfer for the field robot can also be recognized if additional data to that stored in the buffer of the field robot is required, especially if a data set containing a path to guide the field robot and tasks allocated to the path to define the field operation of the field robot are missing. Then, the service robot containing the subsequent path segment with the tasks allocated to the subsequent path segment in its buffer can be commanded to approach to the field robot. Preferably, the service robot is commanded before the field robot has arrived at the end of the path segment that it is currently moving along. For example, if a calculated time needed by the field robot to arrive at the end of the path segment is lower than a predefined time threshold, the service robot can be triggered to get in proximity to the field robot for a data transfer via the short-range communication devices. Thus, downtime of the field robot after it has arrived at the end of the path segment can be reduced. It will be checked, when the service robot and the field robot are close enough. Then, a data transfer can be initiated to transfer the data containing information for proceeding the field operation from the buffer of the service robot to the buffer of the field robot.

As described above, the robotic system can comprise a logistic unit, wherein the logistic unit preferably comprises a data storage and a first communication device with a short-range communication reach for exchanging data with the field robot or the service robot. The data storage of the logistic unit can be used to store a data set containing a path for the field robot to be guided along and at least a task allocated to the path defining the field operation of the field robot. The path can be a full path or a path segment of the full path.

Preferably, the path can be created by a central controller of the logistic unit. Alternatively, the path was created by an external unit, e. a host computer or a path planning app, and transferred to the logistic unit, e. via a cloud connection, to be stored to the data storage of the logistic unit.

Analogously, a path for the service robot can be created and stored to the data storage. Thus, the logistic unit can centrally plan and manage the field operation of both robots including an updating of the field robot or the service robot with a new or an amended path (segment). For example, the logistic unit can calculate how many path segments are needed so that the field robot can treat its assigned subfield. The logistic unit can also manage additional field robots for treating the field simultaneously by a swarm of field robots. The logistic unit can also divide the field into several subfields, calculate a path through each subfield and assign each path to a single field robot of the swarm, wherein the service robot can be used to transfer the data of each path to the corresponding field robot.

When a path or a path segment is calculated, a first waypoint as a starting point of the path (segment) and a second waypoint as an (intermediate) end point of the path (segment) will be determined. To avoid that a path (segment) of a field robot ends in the dead zone, the path for the field robot is preferably created such that the path extends through the subfield from a first waypoint to a second waypoint, wherein the second waypoint is located out of the dead zone.

Preferably, the logistic unit, the service robot and the field robot each comprise a second communication device with a long-range communication reach being greater than the short-range communication reach, wherein the field robot and the service robot are commanded by commands sent by the logistic unit via the second communication device. In the case of a swarm of field robots, the logistic unit can also command the complete swarm. The commands can be sent to a field robot as well as to the service robot to command each robot for example to start moving, to move to a specific waypoint, to stop immediately, to stop at a waypoint or to initiate a data transfer.

Preferably, the long-range communication reach covers the field completely so that data can be transferred between the logistic unit and a field robot or the service robot without the need of any robot to approach to the logistic unit.

Preferably, the bandwidth of the first communication device is higher than the bandwidth of the second communication device and adapted to transfer the data set (containing the path and the allocated tasks) or the operational data of the field robot, e. the recordings of the field operation. For example, the bandwidth of the first communication device can be designed to transfer the full buffer content in less than one minute. Thus, the long-range communication channel can be used for an immediate data exchange to control a robot whereas the short-range communication channel can be used for a fast exchange of a great amount of data as the recordings of the field operation.

To indicate that an immediate data exchange is needed, a corresponding data message containing information of the recognition of the necessity of a data transfer for the field robot, especially in case of a detection of insufficient free buffer space of the field robot, can be sent from the field robot to the logistic unit via the second communication device with the long-range communication reach. The data message sent from the field robot to the logistic unit via the second communication device can be received by the logistic unit. The long-range communication channel can also be used by the logistic unit to retrieve the current position of each robot, to retrieve any other status information of the robots, e. an error message or a confirmation that a process such as the data transfer has finished. Additionally, an immediate data exchange can also be required, if the logistic unit needs operational data from the field robot, e.g. to plan the tasks for the field operation.

Based on the retrieved positions of the field robot and the service robot the central controller of the logistic unit can calculate and compare the distance between the field robot and the logistic unit and the distance between the service robot and the logistic unit as well as the travel times for each distance. Thereafter, the central controller can estimate how much time the field robot would need for a completion of a data transfer through the short-range communication channel if the service robot approaches to the field robot and if the field robot approaches to the logistic unit and decide for the faster alternative. For example, the service robot can be commanded to approach to the field robot if a travel time or a travel distance from the service robot to the field robot is shorter than a travel time or travel distance from the field robot to the logistic unit.

If the field robot is commanded to approach to the logistic unit then the data can be exchanged directly between the field robot and the logistic unit instead of using the service robot as a data transmitter to transfer operational data of the field robot to the logistic unit.

In the case that data shall be transferred from the logistic unit to the field robot, e. for a bidirectional data transfer between the field robot and the logistic unit, the service robot can also be used as a transmitter. To transfer data from the logistic unit to the field robot through the short-range communication channel without the need of the field robot to approach to the logistic unit, the following steps of the method can be executed:.

Then, the operational data of the field robot could be transferred to the service robot as described above. To back up the data of the field robot, the central controller of the logistic unit can command the service robot to approach to the logistic unit and initiate a data transfer to transfer the operational data of the field robot from the buffer of the service robot to the data storage of the logistic unit.

The robotic system can comprise an additional mobile field robot configured to operate in a subfield different to the subfield of the other field robot, wherein the subfield of the additional field robot is free of a dead zone. In other words, irrespective of the current position of the additional field robot in the subfield, the service robot can get close enough to the additional field robot without entering the subfield to transfer data through the short-range communication channel. For example, the additional field robot can be guided along a path extending through the subfield. The path of the additional field robot and the path of the service robot extending through the headland can be close together so that the short-range communication reach of the first communication device of the one robot can cover the path of the other robot at a specific position on the path.

The method or separate steps of the method as described above can be carried out by the controller of the field robot, by the controller of the service robot or preferably by the central controller of the logistic unit. The method can be implemented in a computer program product stored to a computer readable memory being part of the controller. Preferably, the logistic unit commands the field robot and the service robot.

<FIG> shows an agricultural field <NUM> circumscribed by the border <NUM>. The periphery outside the border <NUM> can be used as a headland <NUM>. Inside the border <NUM>, the agricultural field <NUM> is divided into five subfields <NUM> to <NUM>. On each subfield <NUM> to <NUM>, a separate autonomous field robot <NUM> to <NUM> is deployed to perform an agricultural operation, e. seeding seeds, weeding, spraying, analyzing the plants or the soil, etc. Field robot <NUM> is allocated to subfield <NUM>, field robot <NUM> is allocated to subfield <NUM>, and so on, wherein each field robot <NUM> to <NUM> has its own path <NUM> to <NUM> to traverse and to treat its correlated subfield <NUM> to <NUM>.

An additional sixth robot is used as a service robot <NUM> that travels outside the field <NUM> in the headland <NUM> along a path <NUM> surrounding the field border <NUM>.

A schematic example of a field robot <NUM> to <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Each field robot <NUM> to <NUM> comprises at least three wheels <NUM> to traverse the agricultural field <NUM>, a tool <NUM> to treat the agricultural field <NUM> (e. a weeding unit, a spraying, seeding unit or something else), a global positioning system <NUM> (e. GLONASS + RTK: GPS, Galileo,. ), a sensor device <NUM> (e. camera) with a sensor detection range <NUM> to capture data of the agricultural field <NUM> (e. condition of the plants or the soil) or the treatment of the agricultural field <NUM> (e. logging performance of the executed task at a certain position in the field <NUM>) and a local data storage used as buffer <NUM> (e. store the recordings of the field operation, e. to store the position, time and sensor data acquired by the sensor device, while traversing or treating the agricultural field <NUM>). As explained above, the storage capacity of the buffer <NUM> is very limited. The tool <NUM> can be connected with a bin <NUM> that can be filled with resources such as seeds to be planted or liquids to be sprayed.

In addition, the field robot <NUM> to <NUM> comprises a short-range communication device <NUM> with a high bandwidth and a long-range communication device <NUM> with a low bandwidth. The field robot <NUM> to <NUM> comprises also a controller <NUM> (e. a microcontroller) that is connected with all controllable elements of the robot (e. the short / long-range communication devices <NUM> and <NUM>, the global positioning system <NUM>, the sensor device <NUM>, the buffer <NUM> and the actuators (not shown) of the tool <NUM> and the wheels <NUM>.

The service robot <NUM> can be of the type of a field robot <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably the buffer <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> comprises more storage capacity compared to the field robots <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably the buffer size <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> is at least doubled compared to a field robot <NUM> to <NUM> with the greatest buffer size. The service robot <NUM> can be equipped without the tool <NUM> and without the bin <NUM>.

A (stationary) logistic unit <NUM> is deployed outside the field <NUM> (inside or outside the headland <NUM>). <FIG> shows a schematic view of the logistic unit <NUM>. The logistic unit <NUM> comprises a cellular communication device <NUM> to get connected with an internet provider or any cloud service. The position of the logistic unit <NUM> outside the field <NUM> is chosen such that it has a cellular net connectivity of a very good quality.

In addition, the logistic unit <NUM> comprises a local data storage <NUM> that is large enough to store all data required for the field operation of all robots <NUM> to <NUM> from the beginning to the end of the operation.

The logistic unit <NUM> comprises also a service unit <NUM> for maintenance and inspection of any robot <NUM> to <NUM>. Any robot <NUM> to <NUM> can access the logistic unit <NUM> via a ramp <NUM> and get connected with the service unit <NUM>. Then, the service unit <NUM> can refresh the energy storage, e. a battery (not shown), with electric energy or refill the bin <NUM> with new resources. The service unit <NUM> can also start a diagnosis function to check the functionality of the connected robot and repair a malfunction. The service unit <NUM> can also exchange the tool <NUM> of the robot, e. substitute a seeding unit by a spraying unit. The service unit <NUM> connected with the robot has also access to the buffer <NUM> of the robot and can read, write and delete data of the buffer <NUM>, e. if the wireless connection has a failure. A central controller <NUM> is connected with all controllable elements of the logistic unit <NUM>.

Analogous to the robots <NUM> to <NUM> the logistic unit <NUM> comprises a short distance communication device <NUM> with high bandwidth and a long distance communication device <NUM> with low bandwidth to enable two different channels of data communication between the logistic unit <NUM> and each single robot <NUM> to <NUM>.

The reach of the long-range communication devices <NUM> and <NUM> are long enough that each robot <NUM> to <NUM> can stay connected to the logistic unit <NUM> at every place along their paths <NUM> to <NUM> to send and receive data via a corresponding long-range communication channel. But the bandwidth of the long-range communication devices is rather low and enables transfer of only small data packages as simple commands (start moving, stop moving, return to logistic unit) or a coordinate to which a robot <NUM> to <NUM> shall move to.

In contrast to the long-range communication devices <NUM> and <NUM>, the short-range communication devices <NUM> and <NUM> have a high bandwidth but a low reach limited to a radius R. <FIG> show the reaches R<NUM> to R<NUM> and R<NUM> of each short-range communication devices <NUM> of the corresponding robots <NUM> to <NUM> and the short-range communication device <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM>.

If big data packages such as the data recordings of a robot <NUM> to <NUM> are to be transferred from the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM> to the logistic unit <NUM>, the higher bandwidth of the short-range distance communication devices <NUM> is needed. But the agricultural field <NUM> cannot be covered completely by the short-range distance communication devices <NUM> and <NUM> for a stable data exchange connection due to the much more limited reach of the short-range distance communication devices <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, a data transfer via the short-range channel is only possible, if the distance between the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is small enough. This is the case when the reach R<NUM> to R<NUM> of a robot <NUM> to <NUM> covers the logistic unit <NUM>, e. between field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> through the overlapping reaches (or ranges) R<NUM> and R<NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

When the reach R<NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> covers one of the robots <NUM> to <NUM>, data can be transferred from the logistic unit <NUM> to the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG> between the logistic unit <NUM> and the robot <NUM>. In other words, if any robot <NUM> to <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> are covered mutually by their reaches, a bidirectional data transfer via the short-range communication channel between the logistic unit <NUM> and the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM> is possible.

This means, if data between one of the field robots <NUM> to <NUM> being outside of the reach R<NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> being outside of the reach R<NUM> to R<NUM> of the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM> is required to be exchanged through the short-range communication devices <NUM> and <NUM>, the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM> would need to approach the logistic unit <NUM> until the robot <NUM> to <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> are mutually covered by their reaches R<NUM> to R<NUM> and R<NUM>. But the greater the distance between a field robot <NUM> to <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is, the more inefficient the field operation will be, because the corresponding field robot <NUM> to <NUM> needs to drive additional routes, consumes more energy, needs more operational time, etc..

Thus, the intention of the invention is to use the service robot <NUM> as a mobile data exchange unit to transfer data between one of the field robots <NUM> to <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM>. For that purpose the service robot <NUM> works like a postal service: if data should be transferred from the logistic unit <NUM> to one of the field robots <NUM> to <NUM> being out of reach of the short-range communication, the service robot <NUM> moves along its path <NUM> to the logistic unit <NUM>. While the short-range communication reach R<NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> covers the service robot <NUM>, the data packages are transferred from the logistic unit <NUM> to the service robot <NUM>. Then the service robot <NUM> moves along its path <NUM> to the corresponding field robot <NUM> to <NUM> for which the data packages are assigned. When the short-range communication reach R<NUM> of the service robot <NUM> covers the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM>, the data packages will be transferred from the service robot <NUM> to the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM>. In this way, a data transfer from the logistic unit <NUM> to the corresponding field robot <NUM> to <NUM> through the short-range communication could be completed without the need for the corresponding robot <NUM> to <NUM> to move into the reach R<NUM> of the short-range communication of the logistic unit <NUM>.

If data should be transferred from one of the field robots <NUM> to <NUM> being out of reach of the short-range communication to the logistic unit <NUM>, the data can be transferred via the service robot <NUM> analogously. Thus, a bidirectional data transfer between a field robot <NUM> to <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> can be realized with the aid of the service robot <NUM>.

The invention will be explained now in more detail with the following description.

<FIG> shows a similar situation as already shown in <FIG>. The service robot <NUM> can move around the agricultural field <NUM> along its corresponding path <NUM> surrounding the field <NUM> in the headland <NUM>. Depending on the position of the robot <NUM>, the reach R<NUM> of the short-range communication device <NUM> of the robot <NUM> covers a different part of the outer edge of the agricultural field <NUM> from the headland <NUM> up to the coverage margin <NUM>.

The logistic unit <NUM> is deployed beyond the field <NUM> at a location near to the path <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> so that the service robot <NUM> can get close enough to the logistic unit <NUM> to enable a bidirectional data exchange through the short-range communication channel between the service robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM>.

It is assumed now, that robot <NUM> shall be prepared for a field operation to be performed in its corresponding subfield <NUM>. Robot <NUM> can be deployed within the logistic unit <NUM> (analogous to <FIG>) or at any other location where robot <NUM> can receive a command through the long-range communication device <NUM> from the logistic unit <NUM>.

The central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> executes a method M1 as depicted in <FIG>. After starting the method M1 with step S100, the central controller <NUM> calculates at the following step S102 a path the field robot <NUM> shall traverse through its assigned subfield <NUM>. The result will be the path <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. The central controller <NUM> determines also several waypoints along the path <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. A first waypoint <NUM> is the starting point from which the robot <NUM> shall start to follow its path <NUM>. Another waypoint <NUM> is a first intermediate end point at which the robot <NUM> shall interrupt travelling along the path <NUM>. Between the waypoint <NUM> and waypoint <NUM> additional waypoints as waypoint <NUM> to <NUM> can be defined by the central controller <NUM>. Waypoint <NUM> can be defined as field entry point. Next to the first intermediate end point <NUM> the central controller <NUM> defines a second intermediate end point <NUM> and a third intermediate end point <NUM> as additional waypoints. A last waypoint <NUM> can be defined by the central controller <NUM> as a final end point where the path <NUM> effectively ends. This end point <NUM> may overlap with the starting point <NUM>.

In addition, the central controller <NUM> can calculate a path <NUM> that runs parallel to a path segment <NUM> of path <NUM> to avoid a collision between two robots moving along the same path segment <NUM> so that one of the robots can evade to the parallel path <NUM> in the headland <NUM>. Path <NUM> can also be a regular part of the path <NUM> of the field robot <NUM>.

Continuing with step S104, the central controller <NUM> checks whether one of the (intermediate) end points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is located in a dead zone <NUM>. This dead zone <NUM> defines a zone within which a short-range communication neither between the (stationary) logistic unit <NUM> and a selected field robot <NUM> to <NUM> nor between the service robot <NUM> (which is bound to its path <NUM>) and the selected field robot <NUM> to <NUM> is possible due to the limited reach of the short-range communication.

Although only one dead zone <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> it should be clear that the dead zone could be different for each field robot <NUM> to <NUM> in dependence of the individual short-range reach R<NUM> to R<NUM>. Then, the dead zone <NUM> for this specific field robot would vary accordingly. But for simplification, it is assumed that the reaches R<NUM> to R<NUM> of all field robots <NUM> to <NUM> are identical and thus all field robots <NUM> to <NUM> have the same dead zone <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, as long as the field robots <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> travel beyond the coverage margin <NUM> and thereby outside the dead zone <NUM>, their corresponding short-range communication reaches R<NUM>, R<NUM> to R<NUM> extend over a part of the path <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> so that the service robot <NUM> can be covered by the corresponding reach R<NUM>, R<NUM> to R<NUM> at a certain position. At that position, the reach R<NUM> of the service robot <NUM> covers concurrently the corresponding field robot <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> (e. see position of service robot <NUM> and field robot <NUM> in <FIG>) so that a bidirectional data transfer through the short-range communication channel is enabled.

At some positions outside the dead zone <NUM>, there is also a bidirectional data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the logistic unit <NUM> and a corresponding field robot <NUM> to <NUM> possible. But robot <NUM>, which is travelling within the dead zone <NUM>, is not able to exchange data through the short-range communication channel with service robot <NUM> because its short-range communication reach R<NUM> is too short to cover a part of the path <NUM>. The short-range communication reach R<NUM> of robot <NUM> is also too short to cover the logistic unit <NUM>.

If an (intermediate) end point is located in the dead zone <NUM>, as for example the second intermediate end point <NUM>, the central controller <NUM> steps back to step S102 and determines a different (intermediate) end point located outside the dead zone <NUM>, for example a recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM>. If no further (intermediate) end point is located within the dead zone the method M1 proceeds with step S106.

When the central controller <NUM> (re-)calculates the (intermediate) end points, the central controller <NUM> considers the very limited size of the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM>. Because of the limited size of the buffer <NUM> the memory space needed for the full path <NUM> including the waypoints and the tasks to be allocated along the path <NUM> according to the method steps S106 and S108 would exceed the limited size of the buffer <NUM> and data would be lost. Thus, the central controller <NUM> splits the full path <NUM> into several path segments wherein a path segment extends from an intermediate end point to a subsequent intermediate end point, that is to say a first path segment extends from the starting point <NUM> to the first intermediate end point <NUM>, a second path segment extends from the first intermediate end point <NUM> to the recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM>, a third path segment extends from the recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM> to the third intermediate end point <NUM> and a fourth path segment extends from the third intermediate end point <NUM> to the final end point <NUM>. For each path segment the central controller <NUM> defines a data set comprising the path segment, the corresponding waypoints and the tasks allocated to the path segment wherein the memory space needed for each data set is smaller than the size limit of the buffer <NUM>.

At step S106, the central controller <NUM> defines the tasks the field robot <NUM> shall perform along its path <NUM>. The tasks depend on the tool <NUM> the overall functionality of the field robot <NUM>. For example a task can be a movement maneuver (e. steering, adjusting the speed, adjusting the tire pressure, etc.), or any other action as sensing the environment by the sensor device <NUM> (e. detecting the crops, weeds, etc.), analyzing the field <NUM> or the crops (e. detecting the humidity of the soil or the crop growth), treating the agricultural field <NUM> (e. weeding, seeding, spraying fertilizer or plant protection agents, changing the rate of spaying [milliliters of spraying liquid per second], etc.) or signaling (e. illuminating warning lights, blowing an acoustic warning signal, etc.).

At step S108 the central controller <NUM> allocates the tasks along the path <NUM> of the field robot <NUM>. Thus, it will be defined what the field robot <NUM> has to do at a certain positon or within a segment of his path <NUM>. from the starting point <NUM> to the waypoint <NUM> the field robot <NUM> will travel through the headland <NUM> wherefore the tasks comprise movement maneuvers only. But at waypoint <NUM>, the robot <NUM> will enter the agricultural field <NUM>. From this waypoint <NUM> onwards, an allocated task can demand to activate the tool <NUM> for the treatment of the field <NUM>. Several tasks can be executed concurrently by the field robot <NUM>, e. treating the field <NUM>, analyzing the crops as well as executing movement maneuvers.

The calculated path <NUM>, respectively the four path segments defining the path <NUM>, the waypoints <NUM> to <NUM> and all the allocated tasks are stored in the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM>.

After the method M1 has finished at step S110 the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> executes method M3 starting with step S300 as depicted in <FIG>. The method M3 proceeds with step S302 and the central controller <NUM> retrieves the position of the field robot <NUM> via the long-range communication channel and checks whether the position of the field robot <NUM> is appropriate for a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM>.

If the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> are not covered mutually by their short-range communication reaches R<NUM> and R<NUM>, a bidirectional data transfer between the logistic unit <NUM> and the field robot <NUM> through the short-range communication channel is not possible. Thus at step S304, the central controller <NUM> commands the robot <NUM> to approach close enough to the logistic unit <NUM>. The central controller <NUM> sends the coordinate of the starting point <NUM> and a command to move to this coordinate to the field robot <NUM> by the long-range communication device <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM>. The field robot <NUM> receives the coordinate and the command to move by its long-range communication device <NUM> and follows the command.

When the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> are covered mutually by their short-range communication reaches R<NUM> and R<NUM>, the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> can optionally command the robot <NUM> to wait (step S306), e. at waypoint <NUM>, by sending a corresponding command via the long-range communication channel before proceeding to step S308.

Alternatively the method M3 proceeds directly to step S308 when a short-range communication between the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is possible to execute the data transfer. The data transfer of step S308 comprises several routines. The stored data in the buffer <NUM> is transferred to the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> to avoid a data loss of the data stored in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> caused by an unintended overwriting. Next, the logistic unit <NUM> can back up the received data of the buffer <NUM> and send it to a data cloud via the cellular communication device <NUM> or share this data with an external farm management information system (FMIS). After the successful backup, the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> is deleted to free up the full memory space.

Then, the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> copies a first data set comprising the first path segment from the starting point <NUM> to the first end point <NUM>, the waypoints and all the allocated tasks to this path segment from the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> to the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> through the short-range communication channel. As described above, the size of the data of the first path segment including the waypoints and the allocated tasks is small enough to be stored completely on the buffer <NUM>.

At step S310 the central controller <NUM> checks whether the data transfer is completed. As long as the data transfer is incomplete, the data transfer of step S308 will be continued. Simultaneously the field robot <NUM> can execute other tasks, e. moving along its path <NUM>, so far as the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> remain covered mutually by their short-range communication reaches R<NUM> and R<NUM>.

After the data transfer was completed, the central controller <NUM> can optionally command the field robot <NUM> to resume its field operation (step S312). Otherwise the method M3 ends immediately at step S314.

Following transfer, the field robot <NUM> is now ready for a field operation. The field operation will be explained now in more detail using the example of field robot <NUM>.

A method M2 as depicted in <FIG> will be executed. The method M2 starts with step S200 and proceeds with step S202. At step S202 the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> or the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit checks whether the field robot <NUM> completed all allocated tasks along its path <NUM>.

If so, the method M2 proceeds to step S204. Otherwise, as it is assumed to be the case here, the method M2 proceeds to step S206 and the field robot <NUM> moves along its path <NUM>. Simultaneously the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> executes step S208 and executes all tasks allocated along the path <NUM>. It is assumed that the field robot <NUM> is located at the starting point <NUM>. The controller <NUM> reads out the first data set containing the first path segment, the waypoints and the tasks allocated to the first path segment which are stored in the buffer <NUM> to control the field robot <NUM> accordingly.

The controller <NUM> determines the position of the field robot <NUM> based on the global positioning system <NUM> and compares the position information with the segment of the path <NUM> to guide the field robot <NUM> along the path <NUM> and to check whether a specific task needs to be executed at the determined position of the field robot <NUM>.

Consequently, the field robot <NUM> travels along path <NUM> from the starting point <NUM> in the east direction (the north direction is indicated by a reference <NUM>) and turns to the north direction to pass waypoint <NUM> (see <FIG>). Then, the field robot <NUM> turns again and travels in west direction to the waypoint <NUM>. At waypoint <NUM> the field robot <NUM> turns again and travels in north direction up to waypoint <NUM>, the field entry point.

While the field robot <NUM> continues to travel along the path <NUM> to the next waypoint <NUM>, here the first intermediate end point, the controller <NUM> recognizes based on the allocation of the tasks to the path <NUM> and the current global position that a task shall be executed at that position to treat the agricultural field <NUM>. This task causes the controller <NUM> to activate a corresponding actuator immediately after passing the field entry point <NUM>. For example, the field robot <NUM> activates the tool <NUM>, which can be a seeder, to seed (by placing or planting) a seed along the path <NUM> after every <NUM> centimeters.

Another task can cause the controller <NUM> to record the field operation and to store the recordings to the buffer <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> can log the exact position of each seeded seed using the position information of the global positioning system <NUM> and save the corresponding positions to the buffer <NUM>. Another task can cause the sensor device <NUM>, e. a camera, to take a photo of each position where a seed was placed and to store the recorded data to the buffer <NUM>.

It is clear that the tasks mentioned are only examples and that arbitrary tasks could be allocated to the path <NUM> to be executed by the controller <NUM>.

The method M2 proceeds with step S210. The central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> retrieves the current global position of the field robot <NUM> via the long-range communication channel and checks whether the field robot <NUM> approaches the dead zone <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> can execute the check. An approach is detected if the current position comes below a predefined distance threshold to the dead zone <NUM> or if the estimated travel time to approach the dead zone <NUM> is lower than a predetermined time threshold. If a threshold is exceeded the method M2 proceeds to step S242, if not the method M2 proceeds to step S212.

It is assumed now that no threshold is exceeded and the method M2 steps to step S212. The central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> retrieves the size of the free space of the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> via the long-range communication channel and checks whether the size of the data stored in the buffer <NUM> exceeded a predefined buffer threshold, e. <NUM> % of maximum buffer size. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> can execute the check. If the buffer threshold is exceeded the method M2 proceeds to step S232, if not the method M2 proceeds to step S214.

It is assumed now that no threshold is exceeded and the method M2 steps to step S214. The central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> retrieves the current global position of the field robot <NUM> via the long-range communication channel and checks whether the field robot <NUM> approaches one of the (intermediate) end points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> can execute the check. An approach is detected if the current position comes below a predefined distance threshold to the (intermediate) end point <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> or if the estimated travel time to approach one of the (intermediate) end points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> is lower than a predetermined time threshold. If a threshold is exceeded, the method M2 proceeds to step S216; if not, the method M2 steps back to step S202 and continues as described above.

It is assumed now that the field robot <NUM> travelled far enough along the path <NUM> and an approach to the first intermediate end point <NUM> is detected at step S214. As described above, the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> does not comprise the full path <NUM> but the first path segment extending from the starting point <NUM> to the first intermediate end point <NUM> only. Accordingly, the field robot <NUM> will interrupt travelling and treating the agricultural field <NUM> when the field robot <NUM> arrives the first intermediate end point <NUM>. Thus, the second path segment extending from the first intermediate end point <NUM> to the recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM> including the allocated tasks needs to be transferred to the field robot <NUM>.

Because the short-range communication device <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> is out of reach of the short-range communication device <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> (as can be seen in <FIG>) a data transfer via the short-range communication channel is not possible, even if the field robot <NUM> travels further to the first intermediate end point <NUM>. Thus according to the invention, the second path segment including the allocated tasks will be transferred from the logistic unit <NUM> to the service robot <NUM> whereas the service robot <NUM> will be used as a mobile data exchange unit to get connected with the field robot <NUM> via the short-range communication channel to transfer the second path segment to the field robot <NUM>.

The method M2 proceeds with step S216 and the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> checks whether the service robot <NUM> has already been ordered. If so, the method M2 proceeds to step S220; if not, the method M2 proceeds to step S218.

It is assumed now that the service robot <NUM> wasn't ordered before and that the second path segment needs to be transferred from the logistic unit <NUM> to the service robot <NUM> first. The method M2 proceeds with step S218.

At step S218 the logistic unit <NUM> plans the activities to be done by the service robot <NUM> and executes method M1 and method M3 for the service robot <NUM> once again. the following steps S100 to S110 of method M1 and the steps S300 to S314 of method M3 as explained in context of the field robot <NUM> before are applied analogously to the service robot <NUM>.

Method M1 is started for the service robot <NUM>. At step S102 the central controller <NUM> calculates the path <NUM> around the agricultural field <NUM> in the headland <NUM>, the waypoint <NUM> as starting point, a waypoint <NUM>, a waypoint <NUM> for the planned data transfer with the field robot <NUM> and the waypoint <NUM> as final end point. As can be seen in <FIG> the waypoint <NUM> was determined in such a manner that a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the service robot <NUM> and the field robot <NUM> approaching the first intermediate end point <NUM> is possible.

At step S106 the central controller <NUM> defines the data transfer as task for the service robot <NUM> and allocates this task to the path <NUM> respectively to the waypoint <NUM> at step S108. The task comprises a second data set. The second data set comprising the second path segment of the field robot <NUM> from the first intermediate end point <NUM> to the recalculated second end point <NUM>, the waypoints and all the allocated tasks to this path segment have been calculated and stored to the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> by executing method M1 the first time for the field robot <NUM>. The central controller <NUM> copies the second data set to the buffer <NUM> of the service robot <NUM>.

After method M1 finished at step S110, the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> starts the method M3 for the service robot <NUM> with step S300 and executes the following steps consecutively. When the service robot <NUM> is covered by the short-range communication reach R<NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM>, the path <NUM>, the waypoints <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the allocated tasks for the service robot <NUM> will be transferred and stored to the buffer <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> (step S308).

After the data transfer between the service robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> was completed, the service robot <NUM> is ready for the data transfer with the field robot <NUM>. The central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> commands the service robot <NUM> via the long-range communication channel to move to the waypoint <NUM> (step S312) and ends the execution of the method M3 (step S314).

The service robot <NUM> was ordered now to approach the field robot <NUM> (step S218). Consequently, the controller <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> determines its position based on the global positioning system <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> and compares the position information with the path <NUM> to guide the service robot <NUM> along the path <NUM>. The service robot <NUM> travels along path <NUM> from the starting point <NUM> in the east direction (the north direction is indicated by a reference <NUM>) and turns to the north direction to pass waypoint <NUM> (see <FIG>). Then, the service robot <NUM> turns again and travels to the waypoint <NUM>.

After step S218 was completed, method M2 proceeds with step S220. The central controller <NUM> retrieves the positions of the field robot <NUM> and the service robot <NUM> and checks whether a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the field robot <NUM> and the service robot <NUM> is possible. Alternatively, the controllers <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> or the service robot <NUM> can execute the check.

If the robots <NUM> and <NUM> are not covered mutually by their short-range communication reaches R<NUM> and R<NUM>, a data transfer between the service robot <NUM> and the field robot <NUM> through the short-range communication channel is not possible. Then the method M2 proceeds to step S222. The controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> or the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> checks whether the field robot <NUM> has arrived its first intermediate end point <NUM>.

If not, the field robot <NUM> is allowed to travel along its path <NUM> until the field robot <NUM> reaches at the latest its first intermediate end point <NUM>. The method M2 steps back to step S202 again.

If the field robot <NUM> has arrived its first intermediate end point <NUM>, its controller <NUM> or the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> executes step S224 and command the field robot <NUM> to wait at the waypoint <NUM> while the service robot <NUM> is still approaching to the field robot <NUM> along the path <NUM> (till waypoint <NUM>).

After step S224 the method M2 steps back to step S220. Now it will be assumed that the robots <NUM> and <NUM> are covered mutually by their short-range communication reaches R<NUM> and R<NUM>. So a bidirectional data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the field robot <NUM> and the service robot <NUM> is possible and recognized at step S220.

Then, the method M2 proceeds to step S226 and the data transfer is executed. The data transfer of step S226 comprises several routines. First, the stored data in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> is transferred to the buffer <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> to avoid a data loss of the data stored in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> caused by an unintended overwriting. This data comprises the recordings of the field operation recorded during the execution of the allocated tasks (see step S208). After a successful backup the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> is deleted to free up the full memory space.

Then, the second data set comprising the second path segment from the first intermediate end point <NUM> to the recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM>, the waypoints and all the allocated tasks to this path segment is copied from the buffer <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> to the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> through the short-range communication channel. As described above, the size of the data of the second path segment including the waypoints and the allocated tasks is small enough to be stored completely in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM>.

Proceeding to step S228, it is checked whether the data transfer is completed. As long as the data transfer is incomplete the method M2 proceeds with step S222. Simultaneously the field robot <NUM> can execute other tasks, e. moving along its path <NUM> till the first intermediate end point <NUM> is arrived, or the service robot <NUM> can move along its path <NUM> till the waypoint <NUM> is arrived, while both robots <NUM> and <NUM> stay connected via the short-range connection channel.

After the data transfer was completed, the method M2 proceeds with step S230 and the logistic unit <NUM> commands the service robot <NUM> to return to the logistic unit <NUM>. Thereupon, the central controller <NUM> of the service unit <NUM> executes method M3 in respect of the service robot <NUM> (step S300). At step S302, the central controller <NUM> retrieves the position of the service robot <NUM> via the long-range communication channel and checks whether a data transfer trough the short-range communication channel between the service robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is possible.

This is not the case for the service robot <NUM> located at the waypoint <NUM>. Thus at step S304, the central controller <NUM> commands the service robot <NUM> to approach close enough to the logistic unit <NUM>. The central controller <NUM> sends the coordinate of the starting point <NUM> and a command to move to this coordinate to the service robot <NUM> by the long-range communication device <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM>. The service robot <NUM> receives the coordinate and the command to move by its long-range communication device <NUM> and follows the command.

When a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the service robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is possible, the logistic unit <NUM> can optionally command the service robot <NUM> to wait (step S306), e. at waypoint <NUM>, by sending a corresponding command via the long-range communication channel before proceeding to step S308.

Alternatively, the method M3 proceeds directly to step S308 when a short-range communication between the service robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is possible to execute the data transfer. Then, the stored data in the buffer <NUM> of the service robot <NUM> which comprises the recordings of the field operation of the field robot <NUM> (see step S226: data transfer of the recordings) is transferred to the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM>. Next, the logistic unit <NUM> can back up the received data of the buffer <NUM> and send it to a data cloud via the cellular communication device <NUM> or share this data with an external farm management information system (FMIS).

Proceeding to step S310 the central controller <NUM> checks whether the data transfer is completed. As long as the data transfer is incomplete the data transfer of step S308 will be continued. Simultaneously the service robot <NUM> can execute other tasks, e. moving along its path <NUM>, so far as the short-range communication reach R<NUM> of the service robot <NUM> covers the logistic unit <NUM>.

After the data transfer was completed, the central controller <NUM> can optionally command the service robot <NUM> to resume an open task (step S312). Otherwise the method M3 in respect of the service robot <NUM> ends immediately at step S314 and step S230 is completed.

Then, the method M2 steps back to step S202.

Back at step S202, the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> or the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit checks whether the field robot <NUM> completed all allocated tasks along its path <NUM>. Because the field robot <NUM> got new tasks at step S226 (data transfer) as explained before, the method M2 proceeds with step S206 and the subsequent steps again.

Hence the field robot <NUM> continues to travel along the second path segment of the path <NUM> and to treat the agricultural subfield <NUM> according to the allocated tasks from the first intermediate end point <NUM> to the recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM>. Analogously as described above in the context of the first data set, now the controller <NUM> reads out the second data set containing the second path segment, the waypoints and the tasks allocated to the second path segment which are stored in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> to control the field robot <NUM> accordingly.

It is assumed now, that the buffer threshold was exceeded at step S212 while the field robot <NUM> was operating in its subfield <NUM>. Before the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> overflows and data is lost, the method M2 proceeds with step S232. The controller <NUM> stops the operation of the field robot <NUM> by executing a wait command received from the logistic unit <NUM> via the long-range communication channel or determined by the controller <NUM> itself.

The method M2 proceeds with step S234 and the service robot <NUM> is ordered analogously to step S218 that was explained before. Then, the service robot <NUM> approaches the field robot <NUM> waiting in the subfield <NUM>.

The method M2 proceeds with step S236 and it is checked whether a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the field robot <NUM> and the service robot <NUM> is possible analogously to step S220 that was explained before. If a data transfer is not possible the method M2 steps back to step S236.

If a data transfer through the short-range communication channel is possible the method M2 proceeds to step S238 and a backup of the data stored in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> is executed analogously to step S226 that was explained before.

At step S240 it is checked whether the data transfer is completed. As long as the data transfer is incomplete, the method M2 steps back to step S238. Simultaneously the service robot <NUM> can move along its path <NUM> while both robots <NUM> and <NUM> stay connected via the short-range communication channel.

After the data transfer was completed, the method M2 proceeds to step S230 and the logistic unit <NUM> commands the service robot <NUM> to return to the logistic unit <NUM> as described before.

After step S230 was completed, the method M2 steps back to step S202 and the field robot <NUM> resumes its field operation and records field operation data and stores the data to its buffer <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, it is assumed now that the field robot <NUM> approaches the recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM>. While method M2 is still executed this event is detected at step S214 and the method M2 repeats the subsequent steps S216 to S230. Thereby a third data set comprising the third path segment extending from the recalculated second intermediate end point <NUM> to the third intermediate end point <NUM>, the waypoints and the tasks allocated to the third path segment will be transferred to the field robot <NUM> with the support of the service robot <NUM>. In contrast to <FIG>, the service robot <NUM> needs to travel to a waypoint <NUM> instead of waypoint <NUM> so that the field robot <NUM> and the service robot <NUM> are covered mutually by their short-range communication reaches R<NUM> and R<NUM>.

After the data transfer (step S228) and the return of the service robot <NUM> (step S230) were completed, the method M2 steps back to the step S202 again and the field robot <NUM> continues its field operation along the third path segment of path <NUM> executing step S206 and the subsequent steps.

It is assumed now that the field robot <NUM> approaches a waypoint <NUM> that is located in front of the dead zone <NUM> (see <FIG>). As soon as the predefined threshold is exceeded, an approach to the dead zone <NUM> will be detected at step S210. Then, the method M2 proceeds with step S242 and it is checked whether the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> has sufficient free space to pass the dead zone <NUM> along the path <NUM>. Hence it is ensured that no data of the buffer <NUM> is lost or corrupted when the field robot <NUM> stores the recordings of the field operation executed within the dead zone <NUM> to the buffer <NUM>. The central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> retrieves the size information of the free space of the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> via the long-range communication channel and checks whether the free space is enough. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> can execute the check. If the free size of the buffer <NUM> is enough the method M2 proceeds to step S214; if not, the method M2 proceeds to step S232.

It is assumed now that the field robot <NUM> approaches the third intermediate end point <NUM>. While method M2 is still executed, this event is detected at step S214 and the method M2 repeats the subsequent steps S216 to S230. Thereby a forth data set comprising the forth path segment extending from the third intermediate end point <NUM> to the final end point <NUM>, the waypoints <NUM> and <NUM>, and the tasks allocated to the forth path segment will be transferred to the field robot <NUM> with the support of the service robot <NUM>.

After the data transfer (step S228) and the return of the service robot <NUM> (step S230) was completed, the method M2 steps back to the step S202 again and the field robot <NUM> continues its field operation along the forth path segment of path <NUM> executing step S206 and the subsequent steps analogously as described before.

When the field robot <NUM> arrives the waypoint <NUM>, the subfield <NUM> was treated completely by the field robot <NUM> and the field robot <NUM> enters the headland <NUM>. At this waypoint <NUM>, an allocated task can demand the controller <NUM> to deactivate the tool <NUM>, the sensor device <NUM> or both.

The field robot <NUM> moves further and crosses the path <NUM> or <NUM>. When the field robot <NUM> arrives at the waypoint <NUM>, an allocated task can demand the field robot <NUM> to execute a turn manoeuvre so that the field robot <NUM> travels along the path <NUM> in east direction.

Method M2 checks that no further tasks need to be executed by the field robot <NUM> at step S202 and proceeds with step S204. Then, the controller <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> sends a notification to the logistic unit <NUM> via the long-range communication channel to indicate that all tasks have been completed by the field robot <NUM>. Method M2 proceeds to step S244 and ends.

The logistic unit <NUM> receives the notification from the field robot <NUM> and as consequence the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> starts the method M3 to bring the field robot <NUM> back to the logistic unit <NUM> and to back up the recordings stored in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM>. The method M3 is executed analogous to the manner described before. At step S304 the field robot <NUM> is commanded to approach to the final end point <NUM>. When a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is possible (step S302), the data transfer will be executed (step S308). The recordings of the field robot <NUM> are saved to the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM>.

The invention was explained in the context of field robot <NUM>. Instead of field robot <NUM> the whole invention comprising its methods M1, M2 and M3 can be executed with any other field robot <NUM> to <NUM> or <NUM>. The invention can be applied to all robots <NUM> to <NUM> simultaneously to execute a swam application wherein the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> has the overall control.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the method M2 comprises the additional steps S246 to S250 as depicted in <FIG>. The invention will be explained in the context of field robot <NUM> now (instead of field robot <NUM>). It is assumed that method M2 is already running and step S216 is executed. If the service robot <NUM> has been ordered already the method M2 proceeds with step S220 and the subsequent steps analogously for the field robot <NUM> as described before.

If the service robot <NUM> has not been ordered, then the method M2 proceeds with step S246. The logistic unit <NUM> retrieves the position of the field robot <NUM> and the position of the service robot <NUM>. Both positions are sent through the long-range communication channel from the robots <NUM> and <NUM> to the logistic unit <NUM>. The logistic unit <NUM> calculates then a first distance the field robot <NUM> would need to travel towards the logistic unit <NUM> along its path <NUM> until a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between field robot <NUM> the logistic unit <NUM> is possible (distance to logistic unit). Then, the logistic unit <NUM> calculates a second distance the service robot <NUM> would need to travel along its path <NUM> towards the field robot <NUM> until a data transfer trough the short-range communication channel between the service robot <NUM> and the field robot <NUM> is possible (distance to service robot).

The central controller <NUM> compares the first and second distances and checks whether the distance to the logistic unit <NUM> is shorter than the distance to the service robot <NUM>. If the distance to the logistic unit <NUM> is longer than the distance to the service robot <NUM>, as it is the case in <FIG>, than the method M2 proceeds with step S218 and the service robot <NUM> is ordered as described before.

If the distance to the logistic unit <NUM> is shorter than the distance to the service robot <NUM>, as it is the case in <FIG>, than the method M2 proceeds with step S248. At step S248 the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> retrieves the free space of the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> and determines whether the free buffer space is sufficient that the field robot <NUM> can travel the distance to the logistic unit <NUM> without a buffer overflow. If the field robot <NUM> cannot travel the distance to the logistic unit <NUM> without a buffer overflow, then the method M2 proceeds with step S218 and the service robot <NUM> is ordered as described before.

If the free space of the buffer <NUM> is sufficient that the field robot <NUM> can travel the distance to the logistic unit <NUM> without a buffer overflow the method M2 proceeds with step S250 and the method M3 is executed analogously as described before (step S300).

The method M3 proceeds with step S302 and the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> checks whether a data transfer through the short-range communication channel between the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> is possible.

If a data transfer is not possible the central controller <NUM> commands the robot <NUM> to approach close enough to the logistic unit <NUM> (step S304). When a data transfer is possible as can be seen in <FIG>, the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> can optionally command the field robot <NUM> to wait (step S306) by sending a corresponding command via the long-range communication channel before proceeding to step S308.

Alternatively, the method M3 proceeds directly to step S308 when the field robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> are covered mutually by their short-range communication reaches R<NUM> and R<NUM> to execute the data transfer. The data transfer of step S308 comprises several routines. The stored data in the buffer <NUM> is transferred to the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> to avoid a data loss of the data stored in the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> caused by an unintended overwriting. Next, the logistic unit <NUM> can back up the received data of the buffer <NUM> and send it to a data cloud via the cellular communication device <NUM> or share this data with an external farm management information system (FMIS). After the successful backup, the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> is deleted to free up the full memory space.

Then, the central controller <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> copies the subsequent data set comprising the corresponding path segment, the waypoints and all the allocated tasks to this path segment from the data storage <NUM> of the logistic unit <NUM> to the buffer <NUM> of the field robot <NUM> through the short-range communication channel.

At step S310 the central controller <NUM> checks whether the data transfer is completed. As long as the data transfer is incomplete the data transfer of step S308 will be continued. Simultaneously the field robot <NUM> can execute other tasks, e. moving along its path <NUM>, so far as the short-range communication between the robot <NUM> and the logistic unit <NUM> will not be interrupted or disturbed.

Claim 1:
A method for exchanging data within a robotic system comprising a mobile field robot (<NUM>) for operating in a field (<NUM>) and a mobile service robot (<NUM>), the field robot (<NUM>) and the service robot (<NUM>) each comprising a buffer (<NUM>) for storing data and a first communication device (<NUM>) with a short-range communication reach for exchanging data with each other, the method comprising the steps:
- commanding the field robot (<NUM>) to operate in the field (<NUM>) using data stored in the buffer (<NUM>) of the field robot (<NUM>),
- detecting that one of the robots (<NUM>, <NUM>) is covered by the short-range communication reach of the other robot (<NUM>, <NUM>),
- initiating a data transfer between the field robot (<NUM>) and the service robot (<NUM>)
characterized in that
the field robot (<NUM>) is configured to operate in a subfield (<NUM>) of the field (<NUM>) and the service robot (<NUM>) is configured to operate exclusively out of the subfield (<NUM>); and
the method comprising the steps:
- commanding the service robot (<NUM>) to approach to the field robot (<NUM>),
- determining a dead zone (<NUM>) being characterized in that the field robot (<NUM>) and the service robot (<NUM>) each are not coverable by the short-range communication reach of the other robot when the field robot (<NUM>) is located in the dead zone (<NUM>),
- recognizing a necessity of a data transfer for the field robot (<NUM>) if the free buffer space of the buffer (<NUM>) of the field robot (<NUM>) is insufficient for a field operation of the field robot (<NUM>) in the dead zone (<NUM>).