With the picoScan150-LOC, SICK is presenting the first localization system from SICK for mobile robots in logistics and production environments in this compact design. It combines industry-proven localization software, which uses the contours of the environment to determine location and navigate, with a space-saving and robust 2D LiDAR sensor. This impresses with its maximum measurement accuracy and range. As a plug-and-play module, the picoScan150-LOC enables space- and weight-saving integration.
Edge computing on the device can minimize latency, which makes robust and precise localization possible. All variants have reflector detection, which can be used by the integrated software to stabilize localization in environments with few static contours. In addition, there is a simple on-board navigation solution through line sensor emulation. This means that no additional control is required, which leads to cost and space savings in every vehicle. The picoScan150-LOC system solution is of interest to intralogistics integrators and manufacturers of AGV, AMR, automated forklifts and order picking vehicles as well as mobile platforms for different areas of application.
The picoScan150-LOC localization solution for generating and streaming a reliable vehicle position is available in the following three performance levels. “Core” serves as a mobile robot solution for localization in the short range. Fast Ethernet with 100 Mbit/s, a CAN interface or up to six configurable I/Os also ensure a high degree of customer-specific connectivity. The “Prime” performance level is suitable for advanced localization applications with medium range and accuracy requirements and “Pro” for high-end navigation tasks with long ranges on forklifts, stackers or pallet trucks as well as for outdoor applications. During operation, the localization system provides extensive diagnostic data for condition monitoring via the Fast Ethernet interface, both indoors and outdoors. The picoScan-LOC variants are supplied with pre-installed, pre-activated and pre-configured software and are ready for immediate use.
Best in class: the 2D LiDAR sensor picoScan150
The picoScan150 works with a 276° optical angle and defines a new performance class for compact 2D LiDAR sensors – with working distances of up to 75 m at 90 percent remission, scanning frequencies of up to 50 Hz and possible angular resolutions of 0.05°. This ensures that small objects or fine structures can be detected for precise localization even at great distances. The multi-pulse principle of the HDDM+ method for precise static pulse transit time measurement reliably prevents any optical influence on the measurement from outside, be it through direct sunlight or artificial ambient light up to 100klx, through infrared light or other laser light sources in the application environment. The high scanning frequency and the additional segmented data output minimize delay times, which significantly reduces the occurrence of time blurring effects when providing the measurement data, especially in mobile or dynamic applications – for example AGV and AMR. The advantages are higher vehicle speeds and thus more transport logistics productivity.
With dynamic detection profiles, in which scanning frequencies and angular resolutions are varied, the picoScan150 adapts its measurement core parameters to the specific requirements of subtasks with minimal switching time. This means that it can switch seamlessly from very precise measurement tasks in the close range for fine positioning (for example docking at a charging station) to route navigation using LiDAR-LOC.
The sensor in the dirt-repellent design is certified for protection classes IP65 and IP67 – and is thus effectively protected against the ingress of moisture and dust. Due to the operating temperature range of -33 °C and +50 °C, the picoScan150 is also suitable for outdoor applications or for use in deep-freeze warehouses.
Tried and tested thousands of times: the LiDAR-LOC localization software for driverless transport vehicles
LiDAR-LOC is an industry-tested localization software that uses the measurement data from 2D LiDAR sensors to determine the location. To do this, the vehicle’s operating environment is mapped when the picoScan150-LOC is put into operation. This means that numerous static landmarks such as walls, gates, pillars and shelves are available for localization and navigation. Changes in the environment, for example temporarily placing a pallet in front of a hall wall, therefore have no influence on the reliability of the vehicle location. This also applies to navigation, where the software uses the measurement data