Field campaign and experimental design for robot performance evaluation (ACRE 2023)

Automating crop monitoring and management represents significant challenges for robotic solutions in agriculture. Autonomous navigation in open fields is crucial for evaluating robotics performance. The Agri-food Competition for Robot Evaluation (ACRE) aims to benchmark agricultural tasks and evaluate weeding robot performances. This paper presents the experimental design of the ACRE competition, focusing on the test field, navigation benchmark, organization management and challenges encountered. Accurate vehicle heading estimation and adaptive control techniques are key challenges for successful navigation. The ACRE competition promoted eco-friendly practices and sustainability by reducing chemical usage. The findings could contribute to the development of innovative solutions for precise crop monitoring, reducing environmental impact.