Mobile robotics for Training and Research
Mobile robotics platform for AGV and AMR learning content for Industry 4.0
Digitalization has entered almost all areas of industry. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) have taken over simple logistics tasks in recent years. Factories will become smart, machines will communicate with each other and artificial intelligence will enable new possibilities for process optimization in the future. Individualized products make higher demands on flexible production, therefore lot size 1 is the objective to be achieved. This affects the material flow and logistics processes. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are increasingly used alongside industrial robots. Increased demands on individual logistics processes have made the further development of mobile robots necessary.
Robotino
With our new Robotino 4, you are able to train apprentices in vocational training or students in academic and research careers specifically for the expectations of Industry 4.0. The learning content provides exactly the specialist knowledge that is required for future-oriented jobs.
The flexible mobile robotics platform Robotino 4 has also learned something new. It has evolved with structural and technical innovations. We’ve developed a holistic, comprehensive training concept for you consisting of hardware, software, and extensive training documentation.
With Robotino 4 to the Industrial Internet of Things.
Our learning system for the entry into mobile robotics is suitable both for teaching basic topics in mechatronics and information technology, and for use in advanced applications in the areas of autonomous mobile robot systems (AMR), as well as automated guided vehicles (AGV). With its open interfaces, it enables rapid access to the teaching of tomorrow’s logistics topics.
Everything at a glance
The frame contains nine infrared distance sensors and numerous prepared mounting options. An analogue inductive sensor and two optical sensors are additionally included, enabling the Robotino 4 to recognize and follow predefined paths.
Robotino is delivered with an extended image processing system, which uses a stereo/RGBd camera unit to independently perceive the environment and can navigate freely in it. These autonomous functions can be seamlessly integrated into workflow-based programs.
Omnidirectional actuator
The three drive modules of the Robotino 4 are integrated in a stable stainless-steel frame. Using an omnidirectional actuator, Robotino 4 moves quickly forwards, backwards and sideways and also turns on the spot. Three sturdy industrial DC motors with optical rotary encoders permit speeds of up to 10 km/h with high reliability.Robotino is delivered with an extended image processing system, which uses a stereo/RGBd camera unit to independently perceive the environment and can navigate freely in it. These autonomous functions can be seamlessly integrated into workflow-based programs.
Uninterrupted use
Power is supplied via up to four 18 V lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, each of which permits a running time of two and a half hours. “Hot-Swap” ensures an exchange during ongoing operation. The system switches itself off in time if the state of charge is too low.
The rechargeable batteries can be charged in less than an hour when detached. This means that Robotino 4 can maintain its mobility for the duration of the experiment and does not have to be restarted.
Expandability
Additional components can be connected to the robot controller via standard interfaces such as USB (4x USB 3, 2x USB 2) and Ethernet. For subsequent expansion, the controller also provides analogue and digital inputs/outputs and relay outputs for additional actuator technology.
In order to support interfaces such as RS422, EIA-485 and IEEE 1394 that are not available in the standard versions, there are two PCI Express slots for interface cards.
Additional electric axes and grippers, for example, can be connected to an additional motor output and encoder input and controlled via pulse-width modulation.
Controller
At the heart of Robotino 4 is a robust embedded PC to the COM Express specification.
This is how the scalability of the computing power is achieved. Robotino 4 uses a powerful 4-core processor with hyperthreading. The operating system and all user data are stored on a replaceable solid-state disk (SSD) with 64 GB. All data is freely accessible and unencrypted. Data and commands can be conveniently transferred via the connected access point in 2.4 and 5 GHz. A switch can be used to set up your own network or to connect to an existing network. A 32-bit microcontroller that directly generates the PWM signals for actuating up to four electric DC motors is responsible for the motor control.
Graphical programming
Robotino View is the interactive, graphical programming and learning environment for Robotino 4. It communicates directly with the robot system via wireless LAN and can be run locally on Robotino 4. The programming system combines modern operating concepts for an easy introduction to robot programming without source code. Via various prepared function blocks not only permit access to sensors and battery data but also neutral blocks such as function generators or logic operators can be added with a click. The scope is rounded off by access to the autonomous functions available at any time for navigation in previously explored environments. The applications that can run in minutes can be quickly expanded by intuitive operation and can optionally be executed and further developed directly on the robot. In addition to this interface for sequence-based programs, we offer the free tool Robotino Factory, which orchestrates the mapping and navigation used for autonomous functions. In the laboratory environment, paths and target positions can be registered in minutes and made available for programming.
Robotino SIM Professional – the virtual lab for working with Robotino
A variety of prepared models with typical configurations are available with this software package.
Regardless of the hardware, you gain foundational knowledge and the ability to improve programs. Set up your applications in a safe environment, and then make a seamless transition to working with the actual Robotino 4 .
The workbook for Robotino 4
With eleven consecutive projects, the world of mobile robotics is opened up to you. Each project task is integrated into a practical problem.
Topics covered include:
- Sensor technology
- Electric actuator technology
- Industrial instrumentation and process control
- localization
- Image processing
- and more
Open programming environment
The programming interface (API) of Robotino establishes the prerequisites for using various programming languages and systems to develop a control program. The API supports the following languages and systems:
- C/C++, JAVA, .Net
- LabVIEW and MATLAB/Simulink with prepared toolbox
- Robot Operating System (ROSV1)
- RESTful API: HTTP-based interface ready for retrieval and transmission of information at runtime
Hardware-in-the-loop scenario
With our software controller, you can directly access the Robotino motors. Create your own motor controller, e.g. in MATLAB, and adapt its control loop.
Tailored to your requirements
We deliver Robotino with your desired scope of delivery. In addition to the basic equipment consisting of 2 optical sensors, one analog sensor and the jacking device for table experiments, the number of batteries (2 or more are recommended), power supply units, attachment towers and segments can be freely selected and thus adapted to your learning situation.
