Location, safety, tracking and traceability are the core elements of intelligent sensor solutions for mobile robots. MultiScan and safeVisionary2 sensors from Sick, a leading manufacturer of sensors for factory automation, significantly improve the efficiency of AGVs, AGCs and AMRs.
AGVs, mobile robots and AMRs are already part of the daily intralogistics routine in many companies today. And they will be even more important in the future: according to "Trendreport Intralogistik und Werkstransport 2021"According to a survey carried out by the industrial transport company Inform, 76 % of those questioned from the logistics and intralogistics management sector expressed a high or very high level of importance of transport within the company for its overall success. The challenges facing mobile transport and work robots in terms of flexibility and responsiveness are increasing accordingly. With its comprehensive range of solutions, Sick supports the modern functionality of these vehicles, enabling them to adapt to new situations even more intelligently, and to master future challenges even better.
Autonomous localization via 3D LiDAR: control everything around the vehicle
With the launch of the multiScan100 product range, Sick presents 3D LiDAR sensors that provide mobile robots with a 360° panoramic 3D view. With 690,000 measurement points, the multiScan100 achieves state-of-the-art precision, ensuring that nothing in its environment escapes its notice.
With its compact 10 cm form factor and support for industrial interfaces, it's easy to integrate.
The first variant, multiScan136 , provides 3D measurement data that can be used for precise autonomous vehicle localization and simultaneous environment mapping (SLAM, for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping).
What's more, thanks to 3D LiDAR sensors, it is possible to detect edges or obstacles in 3D. This enables mobile robots such as AGVs or service robots to autonomously explore and map a new environment, the data being used for navigation and localization.
3D safety for mobile robots
The new safeVisionary2 3D time-of-flight camera is the first universally usable 3D safety solution of its kind to be awarded a safety certificate up to performance level c. The three-dimensional protective field enables mobile platforms to safely detect and locate obstacles in space. During transport, safeVisionary2 monitors the 3D path, i.e. the space above the scanning plane of the safety laser scanner installed on the vehicle. Objects crossing this 3D field, such as crane hooks, pallets or objects protruding from shelves, are reliably detected.
The same applies to side protection when maneuvering AGVs and mobile robots during loading and unloading processes. The approach or rotation speed can be reduced to a defined distance from the obstacle before the mobile robot is stopped to prevent collisions. Depending on the alignment of the 3D protective field, it is also possible to monitor areas below the scanning plane of the safety laser scanner, thus avoiding tipping or falling hazards on stairs, ramps or loading bay edges.
Sick offers a complete range of solutions for AGVs, AGCs, mobile robots and AMRs from a single source:
- Object detection and identification,
- Location,
- Positioning
- Displacement measurement,
- Detection for load handling and movement on cylinders,
- Perception of the environment
- Safe 2D and 3D detection devices
- Vision.
These are complemented by sensor systems that offer maximum functionality and ease of integration - and which, as turnkey solutions, provide extensive support to automakers when it comes to equipping vehicles with sensors.