Abstract:
A navigational control system (10) for altering movement activity of a robotic device (100) operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device (100), the transmitting subsystem comprising means for emitting a number of directed beams, each directed beam having a predetermined emission pattern, and a receiving subsystem functioning as a base station that includes a navigation control algorithm that defines a predetermined triggering event for the navigational control system (100) and a set of detection units positioned within the defined working area in a known spaced-apart relationship, the set of detection units (112) being configured and operative to detect one or more of the directed beams under the control of the navigational control algorithm to determine whether the predetermined triggering event has occurred, and, if the predetermined triggering event has occurred transmit a control signal to the robotic device, wherein reception of the control signal by the robotic device causes the robotic device (100) to implement a prescribed conduct that alters the movement activity of the robotic device (100).
Abstract:
A mobile robot system for performing a plurality of separate operations comprising at least one autonomous wheeled mobile robot (1) having at least one wheel-driving motor; an on-board computer; means for navigation, orientation, and maneuvering in an environment with moving obstacles; a sensor system; and a wireless communication system for receiving and sending signals.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device and a method for docking an autonomous mobile unit. Preferably, a slot-like light beam (BEA) located vertically to the travel surface (FF) of the unit is provided, said beam being sent by a docking device (AV). Position-sensitive detectors (PSD) for this light beam (BEA) are provided on the unit, which are arranged parallel to the travel surface (FF) of the unit. The exact rotation (beta) of the unit in relation to the docking device (AV) can be determined by means of the light beam (BEA) and the detectors (PSD), and the unit (AE) can identify its approximate configuration in the space by means of ultrasonic and odometric measurements. By using this path indicator, the unit (AE) can very accurately dock in a docking device (AV), for instance, in order to be able to take over merchandise or to drive into a garage. Position-sensitive detectors (PSD) or photodiodes are provided as receptors for the light beam. The invention can be used preferably in household or industrial cleaning robots.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are directed to determining one or more angles and/or distances between at least first and second portions of a partially or fully autonomous vehicle. In one example, a system includes one or more processors and memory including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include obtaining sensor data. The operations further include determining at least one angle between a first portion and a second portion of an autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the sensor data. The operations further include determining at least one distance between the first portion and the second portion of the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the sensor data. The operations further include providing the at least one angle and at least one distance for use in controlling operation of the autonomous vehicle.
Abstract:
Example implementations may relate to accurate pallet insertion. An example system may include a forklifted configured with a base and a tine coupled to the base. The tine may include a first proximity sensor positioned on a first side of the tine and a second proximity sensor positioned on a second side of the tine. The system may also include a computing system configured to receive, from the first sensor and the second sensor, sensor data indicative of proximity of the tine relative to opposing surfaces of a pocket of a pallet and navigate the forklift relative to the pallet based on the sensor data.
Abstract:
Es ist ein System zum Operieren eines fahrerlosen Nutzfahrzeugs (10) in einem eingeschränkten Bereich offenbart, wobei der eingeschränkte Bereich eine Einfahrt (21), eine Ausfahrt (22) und einen vorbestimmten Zielpunkt (201) aufweist. Das System umfasst ein Übergabemodul (110) zum Übergeben der Kontrolle über das Nutzfahrzeug (10) an der Einfahrt (21): von dem Fahrer des Nutzfahrzeuges (10) an das System (100), und an der Ausfahrt (22): von dem System (100) an den Fahrer des Nutzfahrzeuges (10). Das System (100) umfasst außerdem ein Bewegungsmodul (120) zum autonomen Bewegen des Nutzfahrzeuges (10) von der Einfahrt (21) zu dem vorbestimmten Zielpunkt (201) und von dem vorbestimmten Zielpunkt (201) zu der Ausfahrt (22) und ein Durchführungsmodul (130) zum autonomen Durchführen einer Handlung an dem Nutzfahrzeug (10), während das Nutzfahrzeug (10) sich an dem vorbestimmten Zielpunkt (201) befindet, um einen Zustand des Nutzfahrzeuges (10) durch die Handlung zu ändern.
Abstract:
A system and method for guiding an articulated vehicle having at least a first section and a second section includes one or more sensors positioned separately from the vehicle and adapted to detect the positions of and the angle between the first and second sections. The system also may include one or more position sensors located on the vehicle. A computing system that may be on the vehicle or positioned separately from the vehicle receives the position data and includes a pose-determining algorithm for determining the position and orientation of the vehicle and a guidance-determining algorithm for determining guidance commands to guide the vehicle to a target position. A communications device communicates the guidance commands or sensed position and/or angle information to the vehicle.
Abstract:
AGVs receive instructions regarding tasks to be performed via localized wireless I/O communication devices (604) onboard the AGVs from localized wireless communications units (600) positioned about the facility, for example, at conveyors (202). The wireless communications units (600) utilize I/O devices (604) which have a limited range so as to be truly localized in their operation. The AGVs have a sophisticated onboard control system (130) that includes a destination determination system (140), a routing system (142), a navigation system (144), and a crash avoidance system.