PRODUCT REVIEWS
Independent software for AGVs and AMRs
At SPS 2022 in Nuremberg , SIGMATEK introduced hardware-independent software products for automating intralogistics . The SIGMATEK Traffic Control System ( TCS ) enables the integration of autonomous mobile robots ( AMR ), regardless of their brand , into common automated guided vehicle systems ( AGV ) as well as their connection to surrounding IT and automation systems . SIGMATEK ’ s SlamLoc is designed to “ revolutionise ” the way that AMRs handle changes in their environment with contourbased navigation .
When making production processes more flexible to implement adaptive manufacturing strategies , automated guided vehicles ( AGVs ) and autonomous mobile robots ( AMRs ) play a key role . They are mostly controlled using proprietary systems from their manufacturers or via individual programming . At the SPS 2022 in Nuremberg , Austrian manufacturer SIGMATEK introduced newly developed , manufacturer-independent software products for AGVs and AMRs .
Traffic Control System ( TCS )
“ The TCS ( Traffic Control System ) is an open AGV fleet management system that operates independently of the vehicle manufacturer and uses the standardised VDA 5050 interface for communication beetween the vehicle and master control . This allows the integration of AMRs from different makers . The TCS performs smart route planning , taking into account special aspects of possible routes ( such as one-ways , permanent or temporary obstacles or user-definable restrictions ),” explained the software specialist . “ Much like a taxi dispatcher , the guidance
BLM GROUP has enhanced its line of tube lasers with patented Active Tools technology , which helps the machines automatically adapt process parameters . These tools are designed to help produce high-quality parts , repeatably and independently of the operator ’ s experience level .
The complete suite of BLM Group Active Tools includes :
■ Active Focus : This reduces cycle time by dynamically adjusting focal position
The Traffic Control System ( TCS ).
system sends an available vehicle to the pickup point and then to the delivery address . The TCS is easily integrated into merchandise and warehouse management systems , as well as automation solutions , but can also be used completely on its own ,” it added .
The SIGMATEK TCS also provides the ability to test processes in the computer simulation . This simulation runs up to 720 times faster than the real process . An entire day can therefore be completely mapped in just two minutes . The web-based visualisation can also be used with mobile end devices . During active operation , all vehicle movements are shown in real-time with location , direction of travel and speed , as well as the battery charge of the individual vehicles . Heat maps allow conclusions to be drawn in regard to congestion and other traffic conditions . The powerful analysis module enables immediate troubleshooting .
“ Hall plans don ’ t always match reality and only represent empty spaces with no installations , furniture or movable objects . TCS therefore provides the option of importing real data , so that the map can be adapted to the actual conditions . These can be recorded by AMRs during navigation using the contourguided SLAM method ( Synchronous Localising and Mapping ),” continued SIGMATEK .
Enhanced tube laser performance
to improve 2D / 3D cutting / marking performance and quality .
■ Active Speed : This ensures high cutting quality on all material conditions .
■ Active Marking : This allows parts to be dynamically marked during the cutting process for complete product traceability .
■ Active Piercing : This increases piercing speed and reliability , even on inconsistent material quality and thickness .
■ Active Tilt : This achieves faster cutting speeds through rapid oscillation of the 3D cutting head .
■ Active Scan : This ensures high tolerances by removing errors due to
SlamLoc navigation
Also introduced at the SPS 2022 , newly developed real-time localisation software SIGMATEK SlamLoc creates the map of the environment as a basis for route planning during the initial teaching cycle . During each additional cycle , this map is expanded temporarily with newly added or moved objects . The SIGMATEK TCS can therefore react immediately and , using the new conditions , determine the best possible route . The system also provides the ability to move around obstacles or take alternative routes .
“ SIGMATEK SlamLoc enables uncompromisingly precise , contour-based navigation – even if the view of known contours is obstructed , for example , by pallet stacks . Real-time SLAM enables the exact localisation of vehicles during restart without time-consuming initialisation . Above all , the software allows fully dynamic navigation in areas that are subject to significant changes . By deliberately avoiding the use of familiar contours , SlamLoc allows buffer zones , goods receiving or shipping to be integrated into an AGV for the first time ,” added the company .
SIGMATEK SlamLoc is available as a pure software solution or pre-installed into an industrial-grade box PC suited for use in vehicles . Optional Slam Client software enables visualisation of the actual vehicle movements and dynamic mapping , as well as its editing on Windows platforms . With TCS and SlamLoc , SIGMATEK provides new and innovative solution approaches for automating intralogistics . n
www
. sigmatekautomation . com
bow and twist in tubes using a camera / laser scanning system which corrects in less than 0.6 seconds .
■ Active Weld : This camera-based weld seam detection camera can look internally or externally to locate and position the weld seam .
■ Active Shape : This profile recognition camera allows for the automatic loading of custom sections like aluminium extrusions and rolled , formed shapes .
The availability of these tools varies upon the model . However , Active Focus , Active Speed and Active Marking are standard on all of BLM ’ s laser tubes . n
www . blmgroup . com
72 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2023