New SLAM Features and 3D Monitoring

The requirements for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are continuously increasing. Dynamic production environments, changing temporary obstacles, and growing safety requirements call for ever more intelligent navigation solutions.

Extended SLAM Capabilities for More Precise Navigation

SLAMLoc from SIGMATEK is an open-source, real-time localization software that significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of navigation for AGVs and AMRs with new features in the field of SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping).

Sensor fusion combines data from various laser scanners installed on the AGV and processes it into a single map, creating a much more comprehensive picture of the environment. This results in more precise maps and optimized route planning – even in complex or constantly changing environments.

In addition, a local map (MiniMap) is now available on demand. This map captures the current situation around the vehicle in real time, including actual obstacles. Based on this data, the system can immediately calculate an optimized detour route, enabling particularly flexible navigation and reducing downtime – for example, when obstacles suddenly appear on the route.

With the detailed troubleshooting option, various situations can be analyzed even without a physically available vehicle. This allows typical questions to be quickly clarified, such as: Why did the AGV stop? Why did it deviate from the planned route? What situation led to a navigation interruption?

This transparent diagnostics feature saves time during commissioning, accelerates service processes, and facilitates the continuous optimization of AGV applications.

3D Route Monitoring

In addition to the extended SLAM functions, the “AGV Automation Visionary 3D” software solution offers three-dimensional monitoring of the travel route. In combination with one or two Visionary-T Mini cameras from SICK, the vehicle’s surroundings are additionally captured in 3D, enabling the detection of obstacles that are difficult for conventional 2D laser scanners to identify—such as very small obstacles on the route, stairs or steps, empty elevator shafts, the forks of forklifts, etc.

3D detection thus extends safety functions and increases the reliability of autonomous transport processes in demanding industrial environments.

SPS smart production solutions – hall 7, stand 270