Sensor solutions for mobile robots in production

Make it move

Mobile Robots in Production
Mobile Robots in Production

Escape from the cage. Free your production from ballast. The replacement of static and permanently installed robot applications is bringing about a small revolution in many areas of industry. The application possibilities for mobile units provide flexibility and thereby allow production processes to be streamlined. 

Everything becomes even more efficient and therefore faster. This applies both to the transport of raw materials and end products as well as to the operative applications. Collaborative systems boost efficiency. They are quickly ready for operation and during their “lifetime” take care of not just one but every conceivable task that you require in your processes. Interactions between man and machine are something you encounter here everyday – productive, flexible and safe.
 

Flexible production

Flexible production

Batch size 1 is an important driver for flexibility in production. This requires a mobile robot that is capable of flexibly adapting to changing product variants. The tasks performed by intelligent sensors also include the precise localization of workpieces at a workstation, and the insertion of workpieces in a machine. Sensors also play a decisive role in the safe maneuvering of robots within the manufacturing line.

 

Collaboration on an equal footing: Humans and mobile robots

Human and mobile robot collaborating

Humans and mobile robots are moving around together in production. This poses risks, of course. SICK offers suitable safety concepts to ensure this collaboration works smoothly and without accidents. We are happy to advise you and support you in ensuring your processes continue to run reliably at all times.

 

 

Transport from A to B: localization, navigation and mapping

Localization, navigation and mapping

Would you like to know at all times where the mobile robot is currently located and how it is moving about the room? To do so, you need to be able to reliably localize it so processes can continue to run without problems. Achieving a perfect interplay of the individual disciplines such as mapping, localization and navigation is the key objective in this. 

 
 
 
 

Productivity, safety, and cost efficiency: the right safety solution for you

Find the right safety solution for a mobile robot

To achieve the optimal balance of productivity, safety, and cost efficiency, it is necessary to carry out a hazard analysis and risk assessment for each specific robot. The higher the risk to humans and infrastructure, the more stringent the requirements on the control system need to be. Based on the minimum requirements determined, each robot can be equipped with exactly the right sensor solution from our comprehensive safety portfolio. 

 

Everything in motion: Challenges for mobility

Everything moving - challenges for mobility

Movement is challenging. Not only because it takes place in three-dimensional space, but also because it is necessary to cope with a large number of critical environment influences such as vibrations, impacts, contamination and the like. Varying light conditions, ambient conditions, and also constantly changing scenarios also present challenges for mobility.

 
 
 
 

Space in the mobile robot

Space in a mobile robot
Move along, please! To operate a mobile robot economically and efficiently, it is also important of course to consider its weight and size. Any excess ballast, taking into consideration its function and how mobile it is, must be avoided. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Maximum precision: correct docking

Mobile robot docking

Precision is the key both for loading at docking stations and for assuming an allocated position in production, for example when approaching a roller conveyor. The faster the mobile robot can get in position, the more efficient the overall process.

 

 

High precision motor feedback systemsHazardous area protection when docking an AGV using the Safe Portal safety systemSafe detection of target positions for protective field mutingDetection and position determination for picking up pallets using an appSurface-independent docking using ultrasonic sensorsFine positioning during docking using mid range distance sensors