Tech Briefs Magazine - September 2023 - 22
Mobile Automation
AGV platform and stationary robot(s).
This input also helps determine if a differential
drive-type platform that moves
forward and back would be sufficient or
if the application requires an omnidirectional
one with freedom of movement
in any direction.
With the type of robot selected, a facility
decides on a navigation system.
Typically, manual operation/guidance
is recommended for extremely heavy,
cumbersome loads, whereas a laser-based
Light Detection and Ranging
(LiDAR) system provides the most autonomous
form of navigation. Although
other navigation options are
available, such as magnetic grids embedded
in a facility's floor, the trend
has been more toward flexible laser-based
systems.
Part Handling
Obviously, the sizes, shapes, and weights
of parts and materials will factor into the
integration of mobile automation, as will
the loads' centers of gravity. With that
said, parts and materials must be safely fixtured
on the robot for equally safe transport
to and from pickup/drop-off points.
If other equipment is also involved in the
process, the automation plan must establish
how the system orients and presents parts/
loads properly for transitions. The plan also
must determine how the platform will maneuver
for those transitions with other
equipment such as machine tools, while not
interfering with other operations close by.
Robot Working Conditions
When integrating mobile automation,
a facility's environment, its floor conditions,
and foot/other vehicle traffic are
all paramount considerations. For example,
some robots must travel both indoors
and outdoors and endure extreme
temperatures, along with high
humidity and other environmental challenges.
In these cases, it's essential to
determine if and how the automation
can handle those conditions, and whether
that automation can navigate smoothly
over gaps, slopes, bumps, or unevenness
in a facility's floor.
In addition to floor conditions, traffic
- either on foot or form other vehicles
- can hinder a robot as it navigates
around a facility. Likewise, the width of
aisles and intersections, separation of
different paths, stability and availability
of physical environment features will
also factor into the navigation equation.
Based on the outcomes of an evaluation
of driving conditions, does the mobile
robot need a separate path? Are
physical facility features in place that the
robot's navigation system will reference
to guide it? For instance, in a long, wide
empty hall, a laser scanning navigation
system would need some added relays/
physical features, such as posts.
Manual operation/guidance is recommended for extremely heavy, cumbersome loads, whereas a
LiDAR system provides the most autonomous form of navigation. (Image: KUKA)
Parts and materials must be safely fixtured on the robot for equally safe transport to and from
pickup/drop-off points. (Image: KUKA)
22
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Better Safe than Sorry
Mobile automation safety requires
consideration of several application risk
factors. These will influence the level
and type of safety procedures and systems
needed.
It goes without saying that any robot
interaction with humans makes safety
the highest of priorities. Facilities also
need to determine the frequency of
those interactions. Is human/robot interaction
necessary, will it occur occasionally
or never at all? These key questions
must have answers to decide
whether an application requires additional
safety besides the inherent safety
of the AGV, such as complete safety fencing
or other protective system.
Like interactions with human, robot
interactions with other equipment will
also raise safety concerns, especially
when robots dock or load/unload. Facilities
must take measures to ensure
robots don't crash into machines, other
equipment, or humans. Imagine
the consequences of a human reaching
between a moving conveyor and a
stationary one during a part transfer.
Robots must be able to navigate safely
around unexpected conditions, such
as objects left in their paths or overhanging
wires.
Tech Briefs, September 2023
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Tech Briefs Magazine - September 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tech Briefs Magazine - September 2023
Tech Briefs Magazine - September 2023 - Intro
Tech Briefs Magazine - September 2023 - Sponsor
Tech Briefs Magazine - September 2023 - Cov1
Tech Briefs Magazine - September 2023 - Cov2
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