Autonomous sensor mounting structure for a work machine

An autonomous sensor structure configured to be mounted to a work machine, comprising:

• a pair of vertical posts attached to a bumper;
• a middle cross member extending between the pair of vertical posts;
• a top cross member extending between the pair of vertical posts;
• a diagonal support extending between the pair of vertical posts, the middle cross member, and the top cross member;
• a pair of rear-facing angled supports extending from both ends of the top cross member, the pair of rear-facing angled supports configured to be attached to the bumper such that a walkway formed by the bumper is unobstructed;
• and
• a plurality of sensors mounted to the autonomous sensor structure.

A method of manufacturing a work machine with autonomous equipment, comprising;

• providing the work machine with a bumper forming a walkway for a person to walk on in order to access and service components of the work machine;
• providing a main structure formed by a pair of vertical posts, a middle cross member between the pair of vertical posts, a top cross member between the pair of vertical posts, and a diagonal support extending between the pair of vertical posts, the middle cross member, and the top cross member;
• attaching a pair of rear-facing angled supports to the top cross member at a first end;
• mounting a plurality of sensors to the main structure;
• mounting the main structure to the bumper of the work machine forward of the walkway;
• attaching the pair of rear-facing angled supports to the work machine at a second end;
• and
• connecting the plurality of sensors to a control module of the work machine.