The development status and trend of mobile robots Application of HMS products in mobile robots

Nowadays, we can see mobile robots (AGV/AMR) in factory warehouses, hotel corridors, and living rooms at home. They are popular because they are cheaper, safer, and more efficient than real workers.

These robots increase the flexibility of enterprises, allowing the integration of robots performing different tasks in a dynamic facility. Enterprises can increase or decrease the number of mobile robots according to demand and start their journey with the help of the large amount of real-time data they collect.

However, due to the complexity and changeability of the environment, mobile robot manufacturers may encounter challenges in the following aspects:

Connecting mobile robots to mainstream industry

Creating a reliable security system

Ensure reliable communications

Establish different wireless connections according to on-site needs

Remote access to mobile robots

HMS adopts modular design, which can flexibly help users change the network protocol to meet on-site needs without changing the design.

Learn about HMS products in mobile robotics applications

1. Connecting mobile robots to mainstream industrial networks

Mobile robots need to communicate with related sites, which often use different industrial protocols. For example, the mobile robot may use CANopen and the controller may use PROFINET. Mobile robot manufacturers may want to use the same mobile robot model in different sites, but the controller in the site uses another industrial network, such as EtherCAT.

How can mobile robots quickly support complex fieldbuses and industries without modifying their hardware?

This can be done using Anybus CompactCom or Anybus Communat gateways.

Embedded Boards and Modules

Users can easily change the supported networks by simply replacing the existing modules with modules designed for another protocol.

Anybus CompactCom Embedded Product Introduction

Embedded OR Gateway?

In general, we recommend you to choose the product that suits you based on the number of products and the network functions you need:

For users with a large number of products, embedded products may be the best choice. Anybus CompactCom embedded products are available in three forms: modules, boards and chips. Modules are best suited for quick time to market, boards are economical solutions for high shipments, and chips are the best choice for self-designed hardware.

For users with a smaller number of products, Anybus gateway products are a more economical choice.

2. Create a reliable security system

Creating a system that allows mobile robots to transport materials safely is a critical and challenging task. In addition, in order to be successfully exported, mobile robots must meet the safety standards of different regions and countries.

By using HMS certified products, users can reduce development risks and costs, shorten the certification process and time to market while meeting directive requirements.

Ixxat Safe from HMS is one of the most comprehensive products in the industry, integrating safe IO and communication solutions based on EN ISO 13849 and EN/IEC 62061.

Ixxat Safe products are pre-certified by TÜV Rhineland to meet the performance requirements specified in PLe (Category 4) and SIL3, and come with a full set of implementation and certification guidelines. Therefore, using Ixxat Safe products and relying on the support of the HMS safety team can simplify the final product certification and significantly shorten the time to market compared to self-development.

3. Ensure reliable CAN communication

Mobile robots often rely on the CAN bus to ensure reliable control and high performance of the robot. However, many CAN-based applications may encounter network problems such as network saturation and error propagation.

HMS offers expertise and off-the-shelf products to establish a reliable connection to CAN networks and protect electronic devices from the effects of EMI.

Accessing CAN Network

Ixxat PC cards ensure a reliable connection to the CAN or CANopen communication standards, enabling mobile robot manufacturers to access CAN networks and monitor the performance of their devices, such as batteries.

Ixxat PC interface cards are available in PCI, PCIe or , Ethernet and module versions, enabling mobile robot manufacturers to choose the option that best suits their needs.

USB-to-CAN

Mobile USB-to-CAN interface for easy CAN (FD) bus access for configuration, service and analysis.

CAN-IB Series

Powerful CAN (FD) plug-in board enables test/system connection to automotive bus systems or devices.

CANblue II

Wireless connection to vehicle bus systems enables flexible analysis, configuration and testing.

EMI Protection

Ixxat repeaters separate the networks on the physical layer, act as EMI filters and add isolation, thus protecting electronics from EMI interference.

This feature enables mobile robot manufacturers to isolate parts susceptible to EMI (such as battery modules) from other parts (such as modules) or to separate them from the rest of the system. For scenarios where strong or long-term electrical isolation is required, HMS's CAN repeaters can be used as copper to fiber converters, providing excellent EMI protection.

4. Establish different wireless connections according to on-site needs

A major challenge facing mobile robot manufacturers in the area of ​​wireless connectivity is how to easily change the wireless technology to meet the network requirements of a specific environment.

Wireless and Cellular Technology Standards

Anybus Wireless Bolt series products solve this problem, they provide Bluetooth, and cellular versions (through the CAT-M1 standard, or through high-speed L Cat 4). Wireless Bolt is easy to install and supports the replacement of different versions to meet the on-site needs of mobile robot manufacturers.

Wireless Bolt Introduction

Anybus Wireless Bolt meets IP66 and IP67 protection requirements and can be directly installed on mobile robots. To ensure connection coverage throughout the site, users can pair the Wireless Bolt with one or more industrial wireless access points.

Left: Anybus Wireless Bolt
Right: Anybus Wireless Bridge

Anybus Wireless Bolt can be used as a wireless access point. The combination of Bolt and Bridge has been successfully used by many customers.

Planning and inspecting facilities

Before installing a wireless solution, a predictive site survey based on facility drawings is recommended to ensure that the mobile robot has adequate coverage throughout the site. The site survey should identify the best locations for access points, the appropriate types, antenna orientation, and how to reduce interference. After installation, a wireless sniffing tool can be used to check the design and adjust the access points or antennas as needed.

After purchasing HMS products, our professional pre-sales will help you plan and inspect network facilities, assist with wireless hardware installation, and fine-tune the installation.

5. Remote access to mobile robots

With remote access, mobile robot suppliers or engineers can quickly troubleshoot and resolve most issues without having to travel onsite, improving the customer experience and minimizing downtime.

Easy to use and reliable

Ewon's devices and industrial cloud services enable mobile robot manufacturers to quickly establish secure remote connections. The Ewon Cosy is an industrial router, while the Ewon Flexy is an industrial router and IoT gateway in one. Both devices are connected to the industrial cloud Talk2M, making remote access and inspection intuitive and easy to use. Talk2M is designed to be very intuitive and users only need a little training and IT skills to use the software.

Ewon Flexy and expansion cards

Mobile robot manufacturers can use Talk2M-equipped devices to troubleshoot, fix errors, remotely operate the HMI or operate IP cameras. Both devices are compatible with most PLCs and legacy devices.

Talk2M Industrial Cloud enables users to remotely connect to their machines

The Ewon Flexy can also serve as an Industrial IoT gateway, monitoring and collecting key performance indicators to optimize operational effectiveness. It can transmit data from the machine to the cloud for in-depth analysis and predictive maintenance.

Ewon deployed Talk2M on more than 30 servers in 21 data centers to ensure redundancy and global coverage.

Cybersecurity

Ewon was able to overcome many security challenges and gain approval from the IT department by taking a multi-layered security approach that built security into every remote access product and software application.

Mobile robots need to be robust and comprehensive to ensure safe and efficient transportation of materials. For mobile robot manufacturers, developing the required technology on their own is complex and time-consuming, so choosing HMS solutions is both economical and efficient.

HMS has offices in Beijing and Suzhou, providing customers with high-quality localized services.

From solution consultation to verification, we can help you quickly overcome mobile robot communication and safety challenges with our expertise and rich products, and become your preferred communication partner.

Reviewing Editor: Peng Jing