Keywords
Citation
(2003), "New laboratory automation AGV maps buildings and finds its own way around obstacles to any destination", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930bab.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
New laboratory automation AGV maps buildings and finds its own way around obstacles to any destination
New laboratory automation AGV maps buildings and finds its own way around obstacles to any destination
Keywords: AGV, Robots, Navigation
ActivMedia Robotics, LLC has announced PowerBot™ a compact, laser-based, automated guided vehicle (AGV) that specializes in navigating tight spaces such as laboratories or electronics assembly plants with great agility. ActivMedia developed PowerBot™ AGV to provide a small, agile, sensing machine intelligent enough to work safely and reliably with people and electronic equipment. PowerBot™ can be used for delivery, sensing and surveillance.
As an AGV, ActivMedia Robotics PowerBot™ is claimed to be unique in its ability to navigate among moving obstacles to any mapped building destination without retrofitting. Unlike industrial vehicles pre-programmed for repetitive motion, PowerBot™ can autonomously calculate a best path and re-plan paths “on-the-fly” if it encounters obstacles. Its outstanding sensing, including precise laser range finding, fixed IR cliff (stair) detectors and sensitive bumpers, enable PowerBot™ to avoid pre-defined permanent “forbidden areas” as well as temporary obstacles. PowerBot™ has a base precision of ±2 in. (±5 cm), with docking precision of ±0.1 in. (±2.5 mm) with floating tray top or video offset.
PowerBot™ can turn in place, carry up to a 200 lb (100 kg) payload at a maximum speed of 4.76 mph (7.6 kph) and operate on all floor and paved surfaces and ADA complaint 15 percent grade ramps. At present it is, particularly suited for more dynamic work sites; PowerBot™ can re-map a space minutes after site alteration and be ready to return to its tasks with little down time.
For further information, visit http://www.activmedia.com/