Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Siemens' innovative technology revolutionises cleaning with robots", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927fab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Siemens' innovative technology revolutionises cleaning with robots
Keywords: Cleaning, Robots
Intelligent cleaning robots using navigation technology from Siemens are now ensuring spotlessly clean floors for shopping around Europe. The robots, which operate independently, can be used in other environments, such as factories, hospitals, airports, or train stations, and could eventually be in the home. They are manufactured by Hefter Cleantech and were developed jointly by Siemens and Dutch cleaning specialists RTB.
The robots have already completed successful trials at Nuremberg Airport, and a Dutch retail chain has deployed them in its supermarkets (see Plate 2). Negotiations are currently taking place with supermarket chains across Europe and Japan.
Plate 2 The
intelligent cleaning robot
The robot is based on a Siemens' navigation system, which enables it to operate independently and orient itself automatically wherever it is. It moves among the shoppers cleaning and drying the floor, watches out for obstacles, and politely asks customers standing in the way to move aside. If the customer does not move, the robot simply makes a detour. The system also has the ability to clean "close to the edge", manoeuvre into tight spaces and recognise dead ends, allowing the robot to be safely deployed during business hours without any risk to customers.
The robot learns its environment by being guided round its surroundings and shown its cleaning path. The "eyes" of the robot – the integral laser scanner – build a map of the area, so the robot is then able to orient itself with the aid of landmarks. The robot regards any areas not recorded during this tour as "no-go areas" that it will not enter during operation. When operating alone a "pilot" integrated in the robot's navigation system compares the actual path taken with the memorised route by continuously checking the surroundings and comparing them with the stored map.
The robot can be also be used to approach customers directly with advertising by playing music or delivering sales messages while presenting promotions. It is also suitable for other applications such as mail distribution, transport of goods or persons, inspection duties and floor surface work.
Visit the Internet site at: http://www.ad.siemens.de/sinas