[jasongill]

This looks very interesting. I understand that hydraulic retrofit is compelling, but you may want to consider CANbus-based retrofits as well (similar to how CommaAI works, where it simply sends messages to the CANbus network to control steering or speed just like ADAS features do). Modern equipment is moving away from hydraulic controls toward a fully digital cockpit and being able to plug in and teleop (for less than the cost of the manufacturers expensive robotics suite) would be amazing.

I have a Cat 289D skid steer I would happily contribute to the effort if you guys move into the compact equipment space (compact being a relative term, as my machine is only 6 tons compared to your 38 ton machine)

[jashmota]

Thanks! Yes we're testing both CAN spoofing and retrofits. CAN spoofing really limits compatibility to a few machines/brands. Would love to get in touch with you: my email is contact ai useflywheel dot ai

[jasongill]

I disagree - your AI model should be decoupled from your control logic; so if the model determines that you need to move the boom, your control logic takes that action - either via hydraulic retrofit, canbus control, or just faking it in a simulator, and the AI model observes and reacts to the change as a result of that action.

So in reality, CANbus control should be no different than hydraulic control to your system - just another style of I/O

[jashmota]

I totally agree, what I meant was if we only do CANbus retrofit, we would really limit ourselves in how compatible we are. So we have to focus on doing the right kind of retrofit really well. CANbus retrofit is easier and we've done that many times before. Especially because my cofounder Mahimana used to work in self-driving company and worked on this and single-handedly built out their current ML data and eval pipeline.

[jasongill]

awesome, sounds like you guys are on the path to success already! can't wait to see how things turn out