Laser Guidance System for Automated Material Distribution in the Industrial Environment

Abstract

At present, the primary trend in the industry is to eliminate the human factor involved in routine activities such as the distribution of materials. The presented laser guidance system belongs to the family of the line following systems. The application of this system is particularly useful in indoor environments that do not allow for technological reasons, the implementation of colored or magnetic tracks. The laser guidance system is suitable for transparent linear point-to-point crossing or a sharp, angled trajectory without polynomial turns. The principle is based on a statically positioned laser beams, projected perpendicularly from the top of the room. Laser beams cross each other and they can be dynamically switched to new trajectories. The electronic control unit mounted on the top of the autonomous mobile platform then follows the current lit line and evaluates actions for the motor drives. Control system also includes collision detection with other mobile platforms or accidentally occurring objects.