The world of transport robotics is divided into autonomous and virtually guided vehicles. While AMRs are primarily suitable for entry-level and simple applications, AGVs are mainly used for complex and challenging requirements. A new development from ek robotics aims to show how similar the two are and how easily they can be combined. ek robotics has both system technologies in its portfolio, which differ mainly in their navigation types. According to the manufacturer, the new X Move transport robot offers the decisive advantages of both technology worlds on one product platform and can be used either as an AMR or AGV.

AGV and AMR: the difference
Until now, AGVs have dominated the world of transport robotics. These transport robots move along a virtual line and navigate their route using laser reflectors, fixed contours, magnets, barcodes or RFID tags, for example. As they only move along these prescribed routes, they are particularly efficient, safe and reliable. However, their installation is more complex compared to AMR, as the routes in the layout and the respective transport strategies are programmed by specialists in a complex process and artificial landmarks usually need to be installed for navigation.

AMR, on the other hand, move freely in space, adapt their route planning to the current spatial conditions and independently avoid obstacles. AMRs therefore navigate largely autonomously on the way to their destination. Due to their autonomous path planning, however, the travel times cannot be planned as precisely as with AGVs and the driving behavior is less predictable, which must be taken into account, especially when transporting heavy loads and at high speeds. AMRs are used in a variety of applications, such as supplying production lines, transporting small load carriers or as service robots. They are mainly designed as platforms and can be equipped with a variety of load handling attachments. AMRs are predominantly found in lighter payload ranges from 50 kg to 1,200 kg, with the majority of applications being below 600 kg.

Fast and simple
AMRs impress with the ease of use of the integration tools and the control system, which makes them particularly attractive as entry-level models. "The environment is mapped with the transport robot directly at the customer's premises, without having to define a special layout beforehand. This also enables a much faster installation at the customer's premises," emphasizes Rodrigo Arias, CTO of ek robotics. "With the X Move, we can offer customers a more cost-efficient solution, as we don't have to program complex traffic regulations and scheduling strategies, as is the case when installing an AGV system."

The application determines the technology
The purpose and area of application of the company are the decisive factors when choosing a transportation system. The integration of a large fleet of vehicles in a narrow layout is often desired. As soon as this is to be linked with many interfaces or complicated transport strategies, implementation with an AMR system often becomes too complex. "If there is a lot of movement in the layout and too many vehicles have to arrange themselves with each other, AGVs are the right choice," explains Rodrigo Arias.

Both systems focus on a specific navigation technology and the way in which the integration is carried out. The hardware of the robots hardly differs - the drive, battery, control and safety technology is basically identical and can be used for both AGVs and AMRs. The only difference is that AMRs are more likely than AGVs to have additional 3D cameras to capture the environment.

Integration tools for AGV technology can generally only be operated by specialists or specially trained personnel. Regardless of the simplicity or complexity of the automated guided vehicle systems, the layout creation is significantly more complex. However, many systems that require complicated traffic control or planning strategies can only be realized with AGV technology using predefined routes and traffic control algorithms. The decision for the right system depends heavily on the application, the level of integration and the environmental conditions.

Affordable entry into a scalable system
The development of the X Move platform makes it possible to use AGV or AMR technology depending on the requirements of the application. According to the company, a decisive advantage is the option to switch between the two technologies via software and to allow both systems to coexist in the same application. This also makes it possible to use different robot types in one system. With the X Move, simple transport processes can be automated easily, quickly and cost-effectively. As the complexity of the application increases or the system is extended, the existing system can be expanded as required.

The X Move is available in three different versions: 300, 600 and 1200. The numbers in each case stand for the maximum payload in kilograms. In addition to the load capacity, the robots differ in terms of their dimensions. Another new development is designed to make the system even more efficient: The faster the vehicle is to travel through bends, the further ahead the safety laser scanners must be to safeguard the route. By reliably recording the speed and steering angle information, the protective fields of the safety laser scanners are activated dynamically. This means that the X Move can not only maintain its maximum speed on a straight line, but can also regulate its speed on bends. The protective fields are generated using a simulation tool and imported into the safety control system. The X Move is also VDA 5050 compatible and can therefore also be used in conjunction with other systems.

This article appeared in issue 3/2022.