Autonomous Wheels vs. AGVs vs. AMRs: Choosing the right technology to automate material handling.

An AGV is a mobile robot that is designed to move materials and goods within a controlled environment, such as a warehouse, manufacturing facility, or distribution center. AGVs are equipped with guidance systems that allow them to navigate autonomously along predefined paths or routes. They depend on guiding magnetic tapes on the floor and need to be pre-programmed with a specific mission, either electronically or physically. They can only change that path once the program changes.

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The first AGV is thought to have appeared about 70 years ago. It is a towing tractor designed to follow overhead wires introduced in 1953 by Barrett Electronics in Illinois. In some ways, the basic concept of that first, reasonably primitive guided vehicle remains - a powered vehicle that follows a predetermined path - although these days, we tend to use computer-programmed paths aided by magnetic tapes, wires embedded in the floor, or laser-based navigation, rather than overhead wires.

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Key characteristics and features of AGVs include:

1. Guidance Systems: AGVs typically use various guidance systems to navigate, including laser navigation, magnetic tape, vision systems, or other sensors. These systems help AGVs follow specific paths, avoid obstacles, and navigate efficiently. ‍
2. Industrial Payloads: AGVs can typically carry heavy industrial payloads, making them useful for a wide range of materials handling tasks in manufacturing and distribution. Additionally, they can be equipped with forks, conveyors, or other mechanisms to handle different types of materials. ‍
3. Automation: AGVs operate autonomously, reducing the need for manual intervention. They can be programmed to follow specific routes, pick up and drop off items at designated locations, and interact with other automation systems in the facility.

An AMR is a mobile robot that is capable of navigating and moving in its environment without requiring continuous human guidance. AMRs use a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to perceive their surroundings and make decisions about how to navigate in real time.

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The first AMRs were Elmer and Elsie, created in 1940 by Dr. W. Grey Walter. They were also called the "tortoises" because of how they looked and moved. Elsie and Elmer consisted of old alarm clocks and war surplus materials. They had a single light or touch sensor hooked up to two different paths, running two other motors acting as two separate neuron brains.

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Dr. W. Grey Walter's "Tortoises"

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Key characteristics and features of AMRs include:

1. Autonomy: AMRs operate autonomously, meaning they can navigate and perform tasks without constant human control. They can make decisions based on the information gathered from their sensors. ‍
2. Navigation: AMRs are equipped with navigation systems that allow them to move through dynamic environments. These systems may include LiDARs, cameras, and other sensors to detect obstacles, map their surroundings, and plan optimal paths. ‍
3. Flexibility: AMRs are designed to be versatile and adaptable to different tasks and environments. They can be programmed or reconfigured to perform various functions, such as material transport, inventory management, or inspection. ‍
4. Collaboration: Some AMRs are designed to work collaboratively with humans or other robots. This collaborative nature makes them suitable for applications in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and additional settings where interaction with human workers is necessary.

wheel.me has introduced a new type of mobile robot, Autonomous Wheels. Genius 2, wheel.me's core product comprises a set of Autonomous Wheels, indoor navigation technology, and data analytics. Genius 2 integrates with existing infrastructure as the wheels can be mounted to virtually any object, transforming it into a self-driving robot that can move from A to B to C without human intervention. If anything obstructs its way, it will replan its route to arrive at its destination most efficiently, using advanced sensors, navigation, and mapping technology. The flexibility to turn objects into self-driving robots allows for a wide variety of use cases across many industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, health care, and logistics.

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Rasmus Noraas Bendvold explaining Genius 2

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Key characteristics and features of Genius 2 include:

1. Autonomy: Genius 2 comprises four smart wheels, with one wheel acting as the central brain. The wheels move in perfect synchronization and can be programmed to work independently or in collaboration with people or other robots/machines. ‍
2. Flexibility: The wheels of Genius 2 are designed to be mounted to virtually any object – small or big, light or heavy. This flexibility allows for a wide range of use cases in numerous industries without the need to change existing infrastructures. ‍
3. Smart Indoor Navigation: The system includes smart indoor navigation technology, comprising LiDAR sensors, 3D cameras, and sophisticated mapping algorithms to navigate within indoor environments and calculate the shortest way to its destination. ‍
4. Safe and smart obstacle avoidance - The wheels can detect and avoid obstacles on the fly. They replan their routes if an obstacle is detected and come to a full stop if needed. This continuous route planning ensures efficient and safe navigation in changing environments. ‍
5. Data Analytics: Genius 2 can analyze information collected during missions, enabling the robot to optimize routes, track performance, or provide insights on inefficiencies so the logistics can be optimized. ‍
6. Intelligent simplicity and user friendliness – Genius 2 can be set up and maintained by almost anyone. The application is intuitive and thus enables you to learn the ins and outs of robots in a matter of minutes.