IMUs to enable workflow management 4.0

Innovative sensor systems and inertial measurement units (IMU) enable companies and non-commercial organizations to optimize their research or production facilities, warehouse and supply chain operations through integrating new technologies, data, predictive analytics and process automation.

An IMU is an electronic device that measures accelerations and angular rates in six degrees of freedom. It is typically composed of three accelerometers and three gyroscopes integrated in a single housing.

Precision navigation of AGVs

In the era of “smart” research labs, factories and warehouses, automated guided vehicles (AGV) play a crucial role. They connect the individual steps of a research process or production line and optimize the efficiency of the overall operation. This usually means that human scientists, production or warehouse specialists can focus on high-value tasks like strategy setting, stage gate decision making or analyzing outcomes to adjust automation parameters, while AGVs and other robotic systems perform all necessary steps to seamlessly connect and operate the end-to-end process.

For this to work and to achieve the intended smooth, well-coordinated automation flow of materials, products and processes, safe and precise navigation of these vehicles is essential. Precision sensor technology by ASC and the company’s flexible IMU 7 tailored to the specific requirements of customers enable the successful, productive operation of AGVs.

ASC’s IMU 7 helps improve AGV performance

In 2023, the customized ASC IMU 7.005MF.075 was used in a comprehensive test series by a renowned German research organization specialized in applied sciences. The aim was to examine two different robotic AGV models: an autonomous mobile robot of 100-kilogram load capacity and a line follower robot of 1,200 kg maximum load capacity.

The simulations were conducted in a factory hall resembling various real-world scenarios, using alternative routes and presenting diverse obstacles. Special maneuvers were performed such as acceleration, operation at constant speed, deceleration, as well as docking and undocking at charging stations.

The study’s objective was to develop a blueprint for energy efficient route planning based on generative algorithms. This would optimize workflows, scheduling, the efficient use of energy required for acceleration and deceleration and more parameters. Their exact determination can lead to productivity gains and substantial cost savings for operators of facilities using these AGVs.

The gained data and outcomes of these scientific analyses have been evaluated in a final thesis and will become part of a wider scientific publication currently in development. Results will be discussed at upcoming expert meetings to ensure the transparent evolution of applied sensor technology research and its potential to optimize the use of AGVs in innovative workflow management.