Always on the Move !
The right sensors can provide a range of data for automated transport
Intralogistics is undergoing a fundamental transformation as automated guided vehicles ( AGVs ) are performing more and more transport tasks . These vehicles require comprehensive information to navigate and interact with their surroundings and load . When used with devices for a wide range of applications , sensors from Pepperl + Fuchs provide a reliable range of data to enable automation .
Navigation and Track Guidance
The R2000 2-D LiDAR sensor is a proven solution used around the world to provide AGVs with all-around visibility . The device uses time-of-flight technology to provide clear , highly accurate measurement results for detecting the surroundings and determining the absolute position .
RFID technology proves effective when it comes to identifying load carriers , since it is not affected by contamination and can be easily used in harsh environments . A compact read / write device from the F61 series on the top of the vehicle detects the tag on the bottom of the load carrier .
The 2-D PGV positioning system uses a camera-based sensor and a Data Matrix code tape to determine the position to an accuracy of 0.2 mm . With the safe version , the system uses intrinsic redundancy to achieve the SIL 3 and PL e safety levels .
ENI58IL , TVI40 , or MNI incremental rotary encoders are ideally suited for deriving the position based on the vehicle ’ s movement . They measure the rotational speed of the wheels and therefore provide both navigation information and an additional way to determine accurate position data .
Load Handling
Smooth driverless transport operations require automated loading and unloading procedures . The LiDAR sensor is especially suitable for detecting contours and distance for this purpose . An R2300 series 3-D LiDAR sensor on the vehicle ’ s lift mast is aligned with the load to provide the vehicle controller with the required data in a 3-D point cloud .
Detection of Surroundings
The most important requirement for AGVs is avoiding collisions . It is essential that the surroundings can be reliably detected in every direction of motion , including any objects that are also moving . Functional safety must also be ensured in areas where people may be present on the travel paths .
The ultrasonic principle of measurement is especially rugged and has proven effective for this task . Ultrasonic transducers work in rain , snow , vapor , and mist , regardless of contamination or the surface properties of the objects . The compact sensor unit of the USi-safety system can even be placed in the fork arms of a forklift . The device detects all obstacles in a defined safety area , intervenes in the vehicle controller if necessary , and meets the requirements for the 3 PL d safety level .
pepperl-fuchs . com / br-agv