Driverless transport systems

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January 2011 Sensors & Transducers

Fully automated and cost effective, driverless transport systems (DTS) can increase productivity, but problems can arise when planning the operating environment. Structural measures such as carriages, induction loops, magnets or laser scanners which require reflectors on walls, shelves and machines might add complexity to the process. Any changes to the environment will require further modification. This complexity can be eliminated through the use of the Leuze ROD 4 electronic laser scanner.

“The ROD 4 unlocks the potential of driverless corridor supply vehicles,” says Gerry Bryant, managing director of Countapulse Controls. “This applies to the spatial plane used for navigation and dispenses with the need for additional navigation aids to be installed on the floor, walls or system parts.”

Bryant points out that the new autonomous navigation system (ANS) developed by Siemens incorporates the Leuzelaser scanner. “The ANS facilitates maximum flexibility for route modifications in production environments which are subjected to change.”

The system guides by means of 3D laser navigation on the hall ceiling. “The laser navigation system can be installed on a wide range of vehicles, from high lift to industrial trucks,” Bryant adds.

The scanner is mounted on a swivel motor on the top of the vehicle. Its fast, pulse propagation time technology enables the detection of 3D profiles that are generated by swivelling and by the linear forward motion of the vehicle. “This creates spatial representations of the surrounding environment which, in this case, is the hall ceiling,” Bryant explains. “These representations then serve as the basis for navigation.”

The system requires no structural measures and is easily commissioned because the route is defined by using 3D laser navigation on structural contours present in the vicinity of the hall ceiling. Subsequent route changes are easily integrated at short notice. Even integration of individual vehicles into existing production and logistics processes is economically feasible, regardless of the current production layout.

“Flexibility is one of the major advantages,” Bryant says, “We work closely with customers to define the best solutions and provide the benefit of the backing we enjoy from our German principals through a comprehensive technical advisory service.”

For more information contact Gerry Bryant, Countapulse Controls, +27 (0)11 615 7556, [email protected], www.countapulse.edx.co.za

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