Application of Pepperl+Fuchs Sensors in AMR Autonomous Mobile Robots

1. Application Challenges

Nowadays, in application fields such as manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, more and more AMR autonomous mobile robots are being put into use to help automate transportation, improve the speed of internal logistics, free employees from repetitive and dangerous transportation work, and improve productivity. These AMR robots, known as "smart porters", carry heavy objects and transport goods from the collection point to the designated destination. Usually, we place the products to be transported on European pallets, install optoelectronics on the top of the AMR, and install the sensor facing the roof of the building upwards. During loading and unloading, the sensor can reliably detect the base of the pallet and accurately detect the starting and ending positions of the pallet.

2. Goals

When using ordinary photoelectric sensors with background suppression functions to detect pallet bases, background targets may also be within the detection range for empty trucks without pallets loaded. For example, the highly reflective surface of an insulated ventilation duct covered with reflective aluminum foil may confuse the sensor and cause false detection. Because the AMR is in a moving state, the uncertainty of the background reflection effect increases, which may cause the sensor to mistake the background object for a target within the detection range at a certain angle, thus causing the ordinary background suppression sensor based on the "dual receiving element" principle to fail.

In order to avoid such false detection, the sensor should be pre-set with a correct detection range without the need for adjustment during use.

3. Solution

The OQT400-R200 sensor uses Array Detection Technology (MPT) and adopts the "distance sensing" principle to accurately detect the actual distance of the target; even at a longer distance, the sensor can still reliably detect whether the pallet base is within the detection range while ignoring undefined background reflections.

The distance measurement sensor using multi-pixel array technology can not only detect the actual distance of the target, but also customize the scanning range using window mode. Therefore, in this specific application, the OQT sensor can stably detect and eliminate the potential weaknesses of traditional background suppression sensors. For example, in this application, the sensor's detection range can be pre-set to within 200mm from the pallet base.

OQT400-R200 Distance Detection Sensor

Technical characteristics

The sensor uses the "distance sensing" principle

Array Detection Technology (MPT)

Suitable spot size

Sensing range 40mm to 400mm

Pre-configured detection distance is 200mm

Intuitive response to whether the pallet base is correctly detected

4. Product advantages

The sensor combines array detection technology with the right spot size to detect smooth or textured surfaces reliably, regardless of ambient light interference. The sensor can freely set and adjust the sensing range via IO-Link, which can be configured between 40mm and 400mm to suit the requirements of specific applications. Due to its flexibility, the MPT sensor is suitable for a variety of applications, especially in some specific applications where a set sensing range is required.

5. Product Features Highlights

Reliable detection of objects through distance measurement

Background reflections will not interfere with detection

Precise Array Testing Technology (MPT)

Large detection range, no calibration required

Can be pre-configured to distinguish between pallet base or cargo on pallet

Review editor: Tang Zihong