The future is speeding toward us as the adoption of automation and robotics continues to rise — businesses in virtually every industry seek to manage fluctuations in demand and workforce. The ability to tackle the problem effectively and safely with mobile robots relies on the knowledge of humans.
The good news: Palion autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are already proving their worth: in material handling safety, reliability, and return on investment. Seegrid uses proprietary, differentiated, and proven autonomous technology that offers compelling advantages. Learn more about some of the safety benefits of self-driving robots.
How Do Seegrid Palion AMRs Safely Navigate?
At the most basic level, humans and robots share some common traits. They must be able to sense things in their environment and then respond by adjusting their behavior. The appropriate response is determined by an information processing system, brain, or machine.
For example, a person driving a car is using sensory information to monitor the environment, and then they direct the car accordingly. These sensors include the eyes, ears, and sense of touch for forces being applied at the steering wheel. The brain does an impressive job of processing scattered pieces of information and applying this knowledge to make decisions. However, even though the sensors are working perfectly, the appropriate actions are not always carried out when our processors become distracted or bored.
Seegrid’s proprietary driverless technology has perfected reliable, predictable decision-making. A Palion AMR has five pairs of eyes, giving it a full 360 degree view. This view is used for navigating, updating the robot’s position multiple times a second to keep the robot on course all the time.
Through the use of the stereo cameras, sophisticated algorithms, and machine learning, our patented technology enables Palion AMRs to see and process more information about the environment than laser-based navigation systems. By collecting more comprehensive information, and then prioritizing and filtering data, Palion AMRs dependably deliver autonomous material flow in dynamic, real-world operations.
Understanding AMR and AGV Safety Systems
Traditional, manually-driven forklifts are effective at moving materials, however they are inherently dangerous. According to OSHA, there are an estimated 97,000 injuries involving forklifts that occur annually in the US. The leading cause of forklift related fatalities is overturns, with speed playing a major factor.
Equipped with advanced sensing technologies, Seegrid Palion AMRs create human-robot partnerships to maintain safe working environments. A dedicated speed controller ensures the robots maintain a safe, steady and controlled speed at all times. When approaching a turn, a Seegrid robot knows to use turn signals and slow down in preparation of the change in direction. The robot limits the speed accordingly based on the radius of the turn.
Additionally, independent UL approved safety systems, including scanning laser obstruction detection sensors and e-stops, are included on the AMRs to ensure safe operation around machinery and personnel. Having redundant safety systems in place increases the Palion AMR’s reliability with components functioning as system backups to create a fail-safe design.
With the use of redundant sets of sensors and processors, critical safety functions are highly reliable. Seegrid’s envelope of constantly scanning safety sensors go beyond ANSI B56.5 safety standards and ensure the Palion AMR will stop before contacting any obstructions.
Safety and Reliability—Strengthen Both with the Right Automation Solution
Seegrid's sensors, controls, and redundant safety components are constantly and tirelessly scanning and checking the environment for navigation clues, obstructions, and adjusting speed, making sure the robot is operating safely at all times without the error of human driver behavior. With computers always in control, the autonomous robot follows the intended route, maintains the right speed limits, avoids collisions, behaves predictably and consistently, and never behaves erratically.
Our self-driving Palion AMRs autonomously move billions of pounds of materials each month, and have safely driven millions of autonomous miles in real production facilities. Seegrid provides a proven solution, helping some of the world’s largest brands achieve their material handling goals. A reliable automation solution ultimately means a facility can consistently deliver, avoid costly downtime, provide a safe working environment, and efficiently boost productivity.
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