IC693ACC302A The highlight moment of internal logistics – unmanned transport vehicles (autonomous navigation vehicles) are increasingly used in the outdoor field, making the goal of automating material processes and logistics processes at any time, regardless of the weather, within reach. With total solutions, a deep understanding of processes and a broad portfolio of sensor solutions, SICK is well positioned to address the wide range of issues related to functional safety in outdoor applications.
As AVS are increasingly used in outdoor areas, there is a need for a total solution that meets functional safety requirements to provide a high level of productivity.
“Customers’ applications in the outdoor sector are challenging and personalized, so there is always a need for accurate analysis of the relevant application parameters. But there are a lot of commonalities, because the problems and difficulties our clients face are often surprisingly similar.” SICK Strategic Product Manager and outdoor application specialist Michael Badeja realized from experience that in order to find the ideal solution from SICK’s range of products, it was necessary to accurately understand the specific tasks in the field. Whether it is sensor components and sensor systems, software, controllers or lifetime service and consulting, it is easily available worldwide.
Analyzing the field conditions in the internal logistics area is the basis for selIC693ACC302A ecting the right security solution.
Combine solutions with the right strategy to ensure seamless connection
“It’s important to get the mix right. To this end, it is first necessary to determine which factors will affect the safety solution when the autonomous navigation vehicle is operating outdoors. In this way, we can reduce the amount of work needed to implement the corresponding automation solution.” Therefore, Badeja first analyzes basic application requirements with the customer, such as vehicle type, transport cargo, location and route. There are differences in size, weight and, above all, design (chassis, transporter or group) of AVs. The size of the goods transported, the size of the load and the carrier, their respective characteristics and stability, especially under adverse environmental conditions, must be correctly defined and taken into account. For site-specific sensor solutions, regional and local climate conditions must be carefully considered. Because customers in different parts of the world face a variety of different climate challenges, from continental fog and precipitation scenarios, to tropical and subtropical rainstorm events, on-site climate phenomena, including wind corridors between plants, also have an impact.
Listen attentively, go straight to the scene
“We listen carefully to our customers, try to go to the site to understand the situation, and even sit down with integrators and end customers. Especially when it comes to analyzing routes and the required safety functions, field conditions in the field of internal logistics make different requirements for selecting the right safety solution and configurationIC693ACC302A , “emphasizes Badeja. Are routes fixed along tape, or is navigation supported by GPS? Are there sharp bends, slopes, steps or other uneven areas such as tracks? How’s the ground? What are the possible collision hazards with people, other vehicles or fixed obstacles? If alternating operation is planned between indoor and outdoor areas, the temperature difference will cause condensation on the optical surface, which needs to be addressed by technical measures and operational specifications. There are also site obstacles related to the application to consider: is there a roof? Will the passageway be flooded? Or does steam escape from manhole covers in certain locations? Only with an accurate understanding of the field situation can SICK’s security experts select the right hardware, software, accessories and services from a rich and diverse product portfolio.
When switching between indoor and outdoor areas, accurately identifying all application requirements reduces the amount of work required to implement automation solutions.
Complementary technologies and smart accessories from a one-stop shop
The outdoorScan3 safety laser scanner, for example, not only has a high safety integrity level that meets functional safety requirements, but it is also highly available in severe weather conditions, thus enabling higher productivity in outdoor areas. If the rainfall is too high, reaching 10 to 30 mm per hour, the splash or rain can affect the sensor, adversely affecting safety critical tasks and posing a challenge. SICK has developed a new smart accessory for this purpose: The airWiper removes water droplets from the optical lens housing by compressed air, working like a pneumatic “windshield wiper.” In addition to newly installed equipment, you can also purchase airWiper to upgrade your existing outdoorScan3. If the precipitation exceeds 30 mm (as can happen in short stormy weather), availability is limited: “The question then is whether the vehicle can remain stationary, whether it must continue to drive autonomously, or in exceptional cases even continue to operate in order to maintain the logistics chain,” explains Badeja.
outdoorScan3 increases productivity in outdoor areas, even in harsh weather conditions.
For harsh environments that do not require millimeter-level high-precision environmental monitoring, security experts recommend security radar systems such as SafeRS3 to convert from a 2D world to a 3D world: “Radar sensors greatly broaden the horizon and are ideal safety solutions for transit areas where there is less people and mixed traffic between loading stations, and where environmental conditions are simpler. Even in difficult weather conditions, radar sensors ensure higher speeds and enable vehicle avoidance. Through the intelligent combination of various sensor technologies, we can not only avoid production disruptions, but even significantly improve production efficiency.” With a complementary combination of technologies, SICK’s customers always get the right solution for their individual application.
