A holistic approach to planning mobile industrial robot systems lays the foundation for successful implementation. But what aspects do you need to consider?
A mobile industrial robot system, also referred to as a driverless transport system (DTS), is sitting in the corner of a warehouse waiting to be used. Its state-of-the-art technology is geared entirely towards the efficient automation of transport processes. However technically perfect the system is, though, one important thing is still missing – the appropriate peripherals that enable it to accommodate and transport europallets, mesh boxes and small load carriers (SLCs), for example. To improve flexibility in intralogistics operations, we have developed a special system consisting of Base Carts and Top Modules. Base Carts are basic models that are adapted to the requirements of mobile robots from well-known manufacturers. Customised superstructures (Top Modules) are connected directly to these Base Carts via a standard interface. However, planning a mobile industrial robot system involves many other aspects. Read on to discover all the factors step by step.
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Mobile industrial robot systems need to be planned carefully
You should plan the entire project before selecting the vehicle system. A structured approach is vital. The VDI 2710 guideline (in German) for comprehensive planning of mobile industrial robot systems (or automated guided vehicle systems, as it calls them) offers you valuable support and describes the individual phases in detail. Any successful project for a system of this kind is based on a thorough requirements analysis.
Clarifying responsibilities and establishing a project team
The first step is to define responsibilities. Ensure everyone involved in planning and implementation is included from an early stage to give them a comprehensive overview of all the relevant processes. Questions during this initial phase include the following:
- Who is specifically responsible for planning and implementing the mobile industrial robot project?
- Have related departments been told about the project?
Defining tasks and objectives for the vehicle system
After establishing the project team, the next step is defining the requirements for the mobile industrial robot system. The answers to the following questions are key when selecting the vehicle system:
- Which processes are to be automated?
- What needs to be transported – pallets, mesh boxes, SLCs or bulk cargo?
- How often do they need to be transported?
- What sizes, weights and types of load are involved?
- How many vehicle systems are needed for the relevant application?
Carefully analysing operating conditions in intralogistics
The environmental conditions in which the mobile industrial robot system will operate is also a key factor, because the location of use has a direct impact on driving performance, sensor technology and navigation. Considerations include the following:
- Stability and range of the Wi-Fi signal
- Condition of the floor surface
- Obstacles such as door thresholds
- Possibility of integrating hoists or other equipment
- Suitability of the premises for reliable track guidance
- Presence of permanent structures such as walls or columns for use as points of orientation
Assessing the IT infrastructure
Mobile industrial robot systems do not operate in isolation, but as part of a networked intralogistics process. Questions relating to IT integration therefore need to be answered early on. The main aspects to consider are as follows:
- Is a wireless network in place?
- Is a warehouse management system in operation?
- Which system interface needs to be taken into account for the warehouse facilities?
Factoring in safety from the outset
Incorporating safety aspects directly is vital when planning mobile industrial robot systems. A safety guideline for automated guided vehicle systems in a VDI status report (in German) includes all the important details and is complemented by VDI 2510 Part 2. This documentation summarises the safety requirements for manufacturers and users of mobile industrial robot systems. Many such systems provide early warning of their approach using acoustic or visual signals, for instance. However, you should also consider some other factors:
- Will the system come into contact with staff?
- Will the system operate in hybrid mode or autonomously?
- Will the system operate on a separate route?
Planning mobile industrial robot systems – selecting the right vehicle system
This decision is closely linked to the above-mentioned factors. To reconcile technical, logistics and economic requirements, you need to consider the following:
- What kind of containers/materials are to be transported?
- How will the load be delivered – manually, mechanically or in an automated process?
- How will the vehicle system navigate?
- What drive concept will be used and how will the system be powered (inductive charging or manual battery changing)?
- What is your budget?
Importance of transport and load handling equipment
The perfect interaction of mobile industrial robot system and peripherals is vital for a successful project. Peripherals need to be geared precisely to the relevant transport operation. When deciding what peripherals to use, the following questions are key:
- Is the load handling equipment stackable and flexible?
- What type of articles are to be transported (e.g. size, shape, and properties such as fragility and insensitivity to temperature)?
- How safe are the transport processes?
- Is it possible to transport different articles using the same type of vehicle system?
This is where our Base Carts and Top Modules come into play. You can use the item Engineeringtool to configure custom Top Modules or use our sample solutions. These preconfigured solutions can be flexibly adapted. Modular item peripherals for mobile industrial robot systems cover a whole host of transport scenarios. One single mobile industrial robot system can be used for a variety of tasks.
Involvement of experts and realistic planning of mobile industrial robot systems
The successful planning of mobile industrial robot systems depends on a great many factors. Not every mobile industrial robot model is suitable for every use and not every function is absolutely essential. To find the best solution, it is useful to involve an experienced partner early on. This can be a manufacturer or integrator who oversees planning, implementation and commissioning. Given that it takes several months to complete projects of this kind, a realistic schedule is very important.
FAQs about planning mobile industrial robot systems
Why is it important to plan mobile industrial robot systems carefully?
Thorough planning ensures the system is integrated efficiently into existing processes, operates safely and reliably, meets the company’s economic goals and optimises working conditions.
What factors should be considered when planning mobile industrial robot systems?
The most important factors include the requirements analysis, vehicle selection, project responsibilities, system requirements, environmental conditions, IT infrastructure, safety aspects and peripherals.
What role do environmental conditions play when planning mobile industrial robot systems?
The physical environment has a direct impact on the system’s performance, including navigation, driving performance and sensor technology. Factors such as Wi-Fi availability, the condition of the floor surface and the space available are therefore key.
How important is the IT infrastructure when integrating mobile industrial robot systems?
Mobile industrial robot systems must be integrated seamlessly into the existing IT landscape. Stable Wi-Fi, a connected warehouse management system and an appropriate interface are vital for smooth operation.
How do you select the right vehicle system for a mobile industrial robot project?
Your choice will depend on factors such as the articles to be transported, how the load will be delivered, the type of
vehicle navigation, the drive concept and your budget.
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