Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-12

The KMP 1500P camera system permits safe, autonomous transport of heavy loads in factories and logistics centers. (Image: KUKA)
software useable even in uncommon
applications.
Beyond managing multiple AMRs
along preconfigured paths, today's fleet
management software allows those AMRs
to also navigate around unexpected obstacles
in their paths. Similarly, as the
use of AI in mobile robotics increases,
the platforms will use advanced sensor
technology to not only detect objects in
their paths, but also identify them.
Essentially, an AMR is a piece of hardware
that depends on numerous sensors,
including 3D vision systems and cameras.
In addition to general navigation,
they could use these sensor arrays along
with AI to detect whether an obstacle
is a human or inanimate object such as
a pallet. This, in turn, means that the
better 3D vision system and camera technologies
become, the more effective is
their object identification and thus their
navigation capabilities.
Robot Vision System
In addition to AI-powered software,
3D stereo cameras have had a huge impact
on the advancement of robot vision
system technology. They allow robots to
recognize parts - not just their location,
but also their orientation. The 3D
stereo camera/vision system captures a
part image and transfers it to software,
which then uses the images to extract
12
data representing viable parts that the
robot can pick. From the image, the
software rates which part is in the optimal
pick position or relatively close to it,
then sends decisions to the robot.
The KMP 1500P's cameras can also
read QR codes. This can be used to reach
a higher level of precision - positing accuracy
of +/- 5mm - which is often necessary
at handoff points where the robot
is picking up or dropping off materials.
In QR code navigation, a Simultaneous
Localized and Mapping (SLAM) map
is used as a reference for setting up the
paths in the software, and the QR codes
are placed on the facility floor to use it
for navigation. Why use QR codes?
Consider a plant where some sections
of the facility have a frequently changing
environment. Rather than having to add
physical features to make the SLAM
navigation work, those facilities can use
the QR codes to navigate the robots in
these areas.
mits
The KMP 1500P camera system persafe,
autonomous
transport of
heavy loads in factories and logistics
centers. With its agile drive system,
the KMP 1500P can navigate complex
and dynamic environments, adapt
to changing requirements and optimize
material flow. This provides agility
and versatility in operations, ultimately
helping businesses to respond
quickly to evolving market demands
and achieve higher productivity.
Advanced Wheel and Drive
The flexibility and maneuverability of
AMRs would not be possible without the
advent of advanced wheel and drive technology.
Two such advancements include
KUKA's omnidirectional platform wheels
and the diffDrive differential-drive technology.
Featured on the KMP 1500P AMR,
diffDrive uses two centrally located driving
wheels that are opposite of each other and
four caster-type wheels at each corner. The
system allows the AMR to pivot and turn
on a single spot.
The omnidirectional drive technology
is based on the Mecanum wheel and provides
full 360-degree freedom of movement
for unlimited maneuverability. They
are electric motor driven and typically
consist of two rims and nine free-running
rollers mounted at 45-degree angles that
move independently of each other. This
allows automated platforms to move not
only forward and sideways, but also diagonally
- basically any movement on a
plane is possible without steering.
While the differential drive systems
need to rotate the AMR/platform to
change the direction of motion, the omnidirectional
drive systems allow movements
in any direction, without changing
the orientation of the platform.
Motion Design, April 2024

Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024