Focus on mobile autonomous robots
The term "autonomous robot" refers to robots capable of operating and performing tasks independently, without direct human intervention. They can move around in a more or less vast environment, at the heart of work areas and congested universes.
How do they work?
These robots use numerous on-board sensors (such as cameras, lidars, distance sensors, etc.) to collect data on their environment, then use this information to analyze the situation and make decisions.
They use a Artificial Intelligence called SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping in English). This enables them to locate themselves, avoid obstacles (objects or people) that may not have been mapped during the study phase, and optimize their routes.
Thanks to their 360° scanners, these robots compare their mapping with the environment in real time. In the event of a positioning error, they can automatically correct their trajectory.
If the infrastructure evolves, the robots can be easily reprogrammed.
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What are the differences between an AMR and an AGV?
The difference between an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) and an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) lies mainly in their level of autonomy and navigation capabilities.
AGVs have well-defined trajectories and are guided by reference points on the ground. Conversely, AMRs navigate in total autonomy and adapt to the environment mapped upstream.
Autonomous robotic programming
Programming an autonomous industrial robot can be a complex project and requires in-depth knowledge of robotics, programming and embedded systems.
Programming interfaces are essential for robot development and control. They provide a standardized interface for communicating with the robot and accessing its functionality.
These interfaces may be specific from one robotics manufacturer to another, but there are open standards and specifications that aim to promote interoperability between robots and control systems.
Using these robotics programming interfaces, developers can create customized applications and control systems for robots, exploiting the specific capabilities of each robot and meeting the specific specifications of each project.
The stages
1. Define the goals and specific tasks you want your autonomous robot to accomplish.
2. Choose a platform and programming language
3. Set up the sensors
4. Process the sensor data
5. Implement the decision-making algorithms that will enable your robot to choose which actions to take based on perceived information
6. Plan the movements and trajectories needed for your autonomous robot to perform the chosen actions. This is known as the learning method, which creates trajectories by having robots memorize points corresponding to Cartesian coordinates. Today, a new method is possible: off-line programming. This refers to the ability to program a robot without being connected to a network or computer. This can be useful in various situations, for example when you don't have Internet access, or when you want to program a robot autonomously.
7. Control system that coordinates the robot's various functions and actions
8. Test to check that your autonomous robot is working properly
What applications are there for this type of robot?
Mobile robots have many applications in different fields.
Mobile robots are mainly used in the logistics sector. They can be used for order preparation, picking and goods transportation. Flexible, they can also interface with peripherals such as conveyors, production lines, integrated islands, or workstations.
They are increasingly found in other fields of activity such as transport, services and healthcare facilities.
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