Benefits from optimal route planning based on B-patterns

•Comparison between optimised field area coverage plans and conventional plans.•Optimal route planning can reduce non-working distance up to 58.65%.•Optimal route planning can increase area capacity up to 19.23%.

B-patterns are algorithmically-computed sequences of field-work tracks for agricultural vehicles completely covering an area that do not follow any pre-determined standard motif, as in the conventional field-work patterns, but are a result of an optimisation process under one or more selected criteria. Here, an initial approach for the assessment of the benefits derived from the implementation of B-patterns is presented. This approach is based on the comparison of B-patterns against conventional field work patters, by simulating the operational performance of the different patterns on template fields for different combinations of field and machinery characteristics. The assessment of the benefits of B-patterns showed reductions in non-working distance up to 58.65% and increases in the area capacity, i.e. the processed area per time unit, were up to 19.23% when compared with different types of conventional field-work patterns.