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Concept Development of an Active Hose Management System for Autonomous Irrigation Machines
Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org
Citation: 2026 ASABE Annual International Meeting 2600965 .(doi:10.13031/aim.202600965)Authors: Christoph André Brinkmann, Heinz Bernhardt, Hubert August Korte
Keywords: Water, Irrigation, Autonoumous irrigation, active Hoseguidance
Abstract. *Concept Development of an Active Hose Management System for Autonomous Irrigation Machines*
The ongoing automation of agricultural field operations has significantly increased the demand for autonomous irrigation systems that operate reliably under diverse field conditions. Mobile reel irrigation machines offer high flexibility and efficiency but remain limited in fully autonomous operation due to challenges associated with hose handling. In particular, uncontrolled hose movement during deployment and retrieval—especially in curved trajectories or on low-traction soils—can result in crop damage, unintended wheel tracks, and operational interruptions. These limitations currently represent a major barrier to the widespread adoption of autonomous reel irrigation technology.
This paper presents the systematic concept development of an active hose management system designed to enable controlled hose guidance for autonomous irrigation machines. The primary objective is to ensure precise hose placement and reliable retrieval throughout the irrigation process, thereby supporting safe and continuous autonomous operation. The development process follows a structured engineering design methodology. After a comprehensive analysis of existing mobile and autonomous irrigation systems and their hose handling principles, functional requirements for an active hose management unit were derived. A functional structure was established to describe the system independently of specific technical solutions.
Based on this structure, solution principles for individual sub-functions were generated using a morphological analysis. Multiple system concepts were formed by combining compatible solution variants and subsequently evaluated using a weighted decision-making approach in accordance with VDI Guideline 2225. Evaluation criteria included automation potential, robustness, operational safety, energy efficiency, modularity, and system compatibility. The selected concept integrates an actively driven hose guidance unit with adjustable clamping forces, coordinated horizontal hose distribution on the reel, and sensor-based monitoring of hose position, length, and system state.
The resulting concept is designed for seamless integration into existing machine architectures and supports modular retrofitting as well as application in new autonomous irrigation platforms. CAD-based conceptual designs demonstrate the technical feasibility of the system and its compatibility with established reel irrigation components. The proposed hose management concept provides a robust foundation for improving machine reliability, reducing crop damage, and enabling higher levels of autonomy in mobile irrigation systems. Overall, the work contributes to the advancement of autonomous agricultural machinery by addressing a critical mechanical subsystem that is essential for safe and efficient field operation.
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