20240012429. SAFETY NETWORK FOR A MOBILE ROBOT FLEET simplified abstract (ABB Schweiz AG)
Contents
SAFETY NETWORK FOR A MOBILE ROBOT FLEET
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Ognjen Dobrijevic of Västerås (SE)
Pawel Wiatr of Upplands Väsby (SE)
[[:Category:Krister Landern�s of Hallstahammar (SE)|Krister Landern�s of Hallstahammar (SE)]][[Category:Krister Landern�s of Hallstahammar (SE)]]
SAFETY NETWORK FOR A MOBILE ROBOT FLEET - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240012429 titled 'SAFETY NETWORK FOR A MOBILE ROBOT FLEET
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a safety network for supporting mobile robots in a facility. The network includes zone safety controllers that operate safety loops for specific zones in the facility. These controllers monitor safety sensors and take actions in response to safety events within their respective zones. A fleet management system is used to plan the routes of the mobile robots and assign them to a responsible zone safety controller. The zone safety loops exchange safety event messages with onboard safety loops in the mobile robots.
- The safety network supports mobile robots in a facility.
- Zone safety controllers are responsible for specific zones and monitor safety sensors.
- The fleet management system plans routes for mobile robots and assigns them to zone safety controllers.
- Zone safety loops exchange safety event messages with onboard safety loops in mobile robots.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Warehouses and distribution centers: The safety network can be used to ensure the safe operation of mobile robots in these facilities, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents.
- Manufacturing facilities: Mobile robots can be used for various tasks in manufacturing, and the safety network ensures their safe operation alongside human workers.
- Hospitals: Mobile robots can be used for tasks like delivering supplies or transporting medical equipment, and the safety network ensures their safe navigation in a healthcare environment.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Safety: The safety network ensures that mobile robots operate safely within their assigned zones, reducing the risk of collisions or accidents.
- Efficiency: By assigning mobile robots to specific zones, the fleet management system can optimize their routes and improve overall efficiency in the facility.
- Scalability: The safety network can be scaled to accommodate a large number of mobile robots and zones, allowing for the expansion of robotic operations in a facility.
Benefits of this technology:
- Enhanced safety: The safety network ensures that mobile robots operate within their designated zones, minimizing the risk of accidents and collisions.
- Improved efficiency: By optimizing routes and assigning robots to specific zones, the fleet management system improves the overall efficiency of robotic operations in a facility.
- Flexibility: The safety network allows for the dynamic assignment of mobile robots to different zones, enabling adaptability to changing operational needs.
Original Abstract Submitted
a safety network for supporting mobile robots in a facility including: one or more zone safety controllers each operating a zone safety loop responsible for a predefined zone of the facility, including monitoring zone safety sensors and taking actions in response to detected safety events with effect in the zone only; a fleet management system configured to perform mobile robot route planning and repeatedly associate each of the one or more mobile robots with a responsible zone safety controller; and wherein each zone safety loop exchanges safety event messages with an onboard safety loop in each mobile robot, for which the zone safety controller is responsible.
