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The Navitech sensor accurately detects and measures angular orientation as it glides along a predefined magnetic tape pathway. | Credit score: Naviq
Naviq has unveiled the MTS160, a magnetic information sensor designed specifically for cellular robots operating in modern environments. Magnetic steerage involves applying adhesive magnetic tape to the ground, allowing robots to sense and follow its guidance throughout their journey.
Our innovative, patented sensor provides accurate angle measurement to the nearest degree, coupled with precise placement within a mere 1 mm (0.039 in.), ensuring exceptional reliability and consistency. Naviq asserts that its dual-performance system provides exceptional accuracy across all orientations and positioning, significantly enhancing the navigational capabilities of autonomous guided vehicles.
Robots navigating along a magnetic track around a facility typically rely on conventional magnetic sensors that provide one-dimensional spatial data, merely indicating the deviation distance from the centerline of the path. Proportional control is a widely employed technique in robotics for correcting steering discrepancies, wherein the steering adjustments are directly proportional to the error detected between the robot’s actual position and its desired or specified location.
Naviq guarantees sooner curve following
The company’s special approach detects the curvature of the observed space, according to NavIQ. This enables the robot to distinguish between subtle trajectory adjustments necessary for maintaining straight lines and more deliberate steering required for navigating curved paths.
This advanced path-tracking technology enables robots to precisely follow designated pathways with greater accuracy, allowing for faster operation.
While it’s necessary to adjust the setting beforehand, allowing the robot to commence its tasks, this process is surprisingly straightforward, merely involving a simple switch of the tape, a task that demands little to no special skills. The roads function as a network of railroad tracks, with vehicles remaining steadfastly on course, earning Naviq its reputation for reliability.
The corporation notes that the MT160 assists markers with reversed polarity in signing areas that necessitate velocity adjustments, approaching intersections, mergers, and proximity alerts similar to those found near charging or loading/unloading facilities. In addition to its existing capabilities, Naviq has developed a sophisticated algorithm that seamlessly modifies clean paths at intersections.
The MT160 offers precise, last-millimeter positioning capabilities at a significantly lower cost compared to vision-based or lidar technologies, making it an attractive option as the first steering sensor in various applications, according to the company.
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MTS160 helps CAN bus interface
The MTS160 offers a waterproof M8 four-pin connector for both power and signal transmission. It supports both CAN bus and RS-232 interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with a wide range of PLC manufacturers and microcomputers as per Naviq’s specifications.
The compact system measures just 165 x 35 x 25 mm (6.4 x 1.3 x 0.9 in.), allowing seamless integration into robots designed for narrow spaces, personal transportation vehicles, and camera dolly systems.
Naviaq designed its consumer interface with comfort in mind, featuring RGB standing LEDs that provide visually intuitive cues for tape and marker detection. A net-based utility requires zero setup, effortlessly connecting sensors to smartphones or PCs via USB ports, streamlining simple configurations, testing, logging, and monitoring processes.
The utility also facilitates automated firmware updates, ensuring seamless maintenance of the device’s performance. Moreover, the internal circuitry is designed to conduct regular self-diagnostic tests, guaranteeing a secure operating environment and reliable functionality.
The MTS160 lists for $495 (approximately €480) per unit.
Naviq highlights magnetic steering as the industry’s workhorse due to its unparalleled convenience in modifying paths. Supply: Naviq
