FEATURE MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY


SETTING AGV’S FREE with localisation software


Industry 4.0 production, assembly and


materials handling processes are flexible, modular and self-organising; and they enable manufacturing and logistics processes


to become more fluid and adaptable. But how often does a manufacturer have the chance to build from scratch from a Smart Factory blueprint to accommodate these new,


S


ingle-product, linear mass-production, is already heading for the history


books, so operators must find ways to work around the legacy of fixed infrastructure. Decommissioning or moving existing plant and machinery would just be too costly. As a result, automated, driverless mobile machines of all kinds are becoming an increasingly popular and cost-effective addition to shop floors and warehouses because they help to adapt the fixed infrastructure to modern production processes. For this more automated and adaptive future, the vehicles must know where they are in time and space. Indoor localisation is the process of


tracking an object, person or piece of equipment through a warehouse or logistics centre. Localisation is one of the key materials handling technologies required to achieve the type of adaptable, networked production and logistics needed for Industry 4.0. Developments in laser scanning and


LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology have been critical to improvements in AGV navigation. Typically, LiDAR sensors have enabled navigation either by using reflectors or by recognising the physical contours of their environment as the vehicle travels through it, using a pre-taught map. Now, LiDAR technology is being used on AGVs, service robots, shuttles and unmanned forklifts to set vehicles completely free from the slavery of fixed paths.


ADAPTABLE Localisation-on-Contour systems can not only learn and recognise the contours of a factory or warehouse interior, but are adaptable whenever the surroundings are altered. As a result, there is no need for reflectors, special paints, tracks, magnetic strips or coloured tapes. Setting up is as


10 OCTOBER 2020 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS


The SICK LiDAR-LOC enables contour-based localisation with no physical markers


highly-dynamic, processes? Neil Sandhu, SICK UK product manager, comments


simple as ‘teaching’ the on-board LiDAR scanner prominent contour features such as walls, large static machinery, racking or bays, as the AGV is driven manually around its working environment. During operation, 2D data from the


LiDAR sensor matches its position to a reference map stored in a Sensor Integration Machine (SIM) also mounted on the AGV. As the data is processed, an algorithm continually compares with the reference map the distances retrieved from the scan data to provide position and orientation information to the AGV controller. With SICK’s LiDAR-LOC, there is the


LOC systems using one or more SICK LiDAR sensor can be set up with minimal programming time


option for machine builders to purchase just the localisation software. Whether working on an already-existing vehicle or designing a new machine, contour-based navigation can then be implemented by taking the data from scanners already in use on the AGV. This can be especially advantageous when designing for smaller and low-to-the ground mobile platforms where compact designs are a critical consideration. With all this increased autonomy,


designers might reasonably expect extra challenges in integrating both navigation and safety technology into mobile vehicles, and potentially both increased hardware costs and software development time. However, LOC


systems using one or more SICK LiDAR sensor can be set up with minimal programming time with the reassurance of proven SICK


software and reliable and accurate scanning technology. As a result, software development, installation, hardware and maintenance costs can all be dramatically reduced. One challenge associated with


autonomous vehicles using magnetic or optical-guide tape navigation is a loss of tracking guidance that leads to the potential for unplanned vehicle stops and fleet jams. However, a hybrid version of the SICK LiDAR-LOC acts as a supplementary system to magnetic or optical-guide tape navigation so that AGVs, carts and service robots can continue to remain on track even if the tape happens to be missing. The system switches seamlessly


from tape guidance to contour-based navigation whenever the tape can no longer be detected. The track is taught in during the reference run of the vehicle and mapped electronically. If the track on the ground is lost, the vehicle controller switches to the backup system which accurately determines the vehicle position. When the tape is detected again, the track guidance system takes over the vehicle navigation as before.


INTELLIGENCE As sensors become more intelligent and programmable, integrating systems into mobile vehicles is becoming more straightforward, whether you prefer to harvest raw data for your own development, or to take advantage of ready-to-go software solutions. Increasingly, it will also be possible to gather and track diagnostic and condition data for service and maintenance.


SICK www.sick.co.uk


/ DESIGNSOLUTIONS


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