Area Path Generation

Area Path Generation is used to create coverage paths for tasks such as mowing, packing, or spraying. The tool generates paths that ensure complete coverage of a defined area while accounting for Exclusion Zones (see here). These paths can then be added to your site, connected to your network, and used a tasks within your day-to-day operations mission.

How to Generate an Area Path

1. Create Exclusion Zones (recommended first step).

2. Define the Area

   • Either draw directly in BOSS Web or convert a recorded path from the robot into a shape.

   

3. Create the Area Path

   • Select the shape and click Create Area Path.

   

4. Set Path Settings

   • Enter name, width, radius, skips, angle, overlap, and perimeter pass as needed.

   

5. Generate Path

   • Tap Generate Path to create the path.

   • You can then simplify, smooth, or edit the path.

     
     warning:

     Note

     • Generated paths sometimes “push outside the bounds” if shapes are very complex — you may need to adjust the shape manually and reduce its complexity.

     • Any edits require manually regenerating the path.

     • Larger areas may fail to generate at times. Make the area smaller if needed.

6. Save Path

   • Saving completes the generation process and exits the flow back to the main path view.

   

7. Connect to Network

   • Start and end points are auto-created for generated paths.

   • You may draw paths to/from these points.

   • Ensure connections are smooth and navigable (avoid sharp angles).

   • Paths can be reversed for alternate travel directions.

   

8. Use On Robot

   • On the robot, select the generator path.

   • The robot will prompt you to add the start point, which is auto-generated.

Settings Values

When generating an area path, the following settings can be configured:

• Name: The name that will be saved with the path.

• Path Width: Defines coverage width. Uses the largest number between Burro and attachment width.

• Turn Radius: Determines how wide turns are. Smaller turns cover more ground but can be sharper.

• Row Skip: Allows skipping rows between passes for cleaner turns.

• Path Angle: Default is Auto, but custom values can be set (useful on steep slopes).

• Overlap: Sets how much passes overlap (in %) to ensure full coverage.

• Perimeter Pass: Option to add a pass around the perimeter. Highly recommended for consistent full coverage.

Best Practices & Considerations

• Keep paths within Burro battery limits
  Avoid creating paths longer than a single charge. Break long routes into smaller sections to ensure reliable completion.

• Use Smaller Shapes
  Large areas may slow or fail to generate. Define smaller areas for faster performance and better results.

• Simplify and Smoothen Shapes
  Complex or jagged shapes can cause poor path quality. Smooth and simplify boundaries before generating paths.

• Create Exclusion Zones First
  Add exclusions before defining the main area to improve accuracy and reduce wasted effort.

• Use Perimeter Pass when possible
  Recommended for mowing and coverage tasks to ensure consistent edge treatment.

• Manually Regenerate After Edits
  Changes to path settings require you to click Regenerate Path. Simplify again after regeneration to keep paths efficient.

• Connect Start/End Points To Networks
  Generated paths automatically include start and end points, but these must be connected correctly to the network. If the connections are too sharp or misaligned, the Burro may not be able to navigate successfully.

• Performance on Large Areas
  The tool may slow down or fail to generate paths when working with very large or complex areas. To ensure reliability, users should break large fields into smaller sections.

• Exclusion Zone Behavior
  While exclusion zones are respected by the generator, overly complex shapes may still result in slight overlaps. Exclusion zones do not physically block the Burro during autonomy; they only affect path generation.

Path Elements

The Area Path Generator creates a path made up of three elements:

1. Path Line
   A continuous line made up of anchor points that flows in one direction. You can edit it at any time, including changing the direction of travel.

2. Start Point
   The beginning of the path automatically generates a destination, so you don’t need to create one manually. When the path task is selected on the robot, Burro adds this destination, and any updates to the start or end points also update their linked destinations.

3. End Point
   The final point of the path, which must connect to the network so Burro can continue to the end destination or next task. Ensure it is connected in a way that allows the Burro to approach with the correct heading.