SIEMENS has developed the Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) for forklifts to move autonomously in warehouses without needing additional orientation aids.
According to Siemens, the forklift autonomous movement systems that have been used to date require external navigational aids, such as reflectors, magnets, or inductive guide wires. Use of the Autonomous Navigation System does not require any structural modifications.
The Siemens Autonomous Navigation System uses a laser scanner mounted on a swivel motor to survey the environs. Special analysis algorithms then prepare a 3D map which allows the forklift system to determine its position.
New routes are learned by having a human driver driving through them once. The driver enters the start and end points of each trip segment into the system, while the navigation system surveys the surroundings during the trip.
The learning process also includes showing the forklift functions like “pick up/put down load”. The system can recognise objects such as pallets.
The system’s laser scanner also reacts to obstacles ensuring safety.
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