Automated docking of pallets & Dollies using Visionary-T for Distribution Centers

 Hi all, I am Priyadarsini currently pursuing 2nd year MBA at Amrita School of business, Coimbatore. Here's my new blog post!!

The use of autonomous industrial trucks and manual high-bay forklifts are both popular in distribution centers and warehouses.

The automation of these operations, however, helps to make the operator safer and more precise. The driver can not easily be able to judge where the forks reach the pallet pockets with driver-assisted forklifts, which makes the risk of damage to the forks, pallets, bays, or items high.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are also used for collecting dollies, but it can be difficult to approach and position precisely under the dolly. The method could be slow or prone to error, especially if it depends on work directions, floor marks, or point-by - point navigation.

Visionary T

The Visionary-T 3D streaming camera from SICK and new Sensor Apps will help with these challenges. The Visionary-T takes a snapshot of the space surrounding them. Each shot provides data on distance, intensity, and confidence values, allowing obstacles to be identified properly. Visionary-T-equipped AGVs and automatic mobile robots (AMRs) would be able to slow down, navigate around, or even stop before the obstacle collides, thereby saving thousands of possible damage or productivity losses.

To
boost Visionary-T, SICK has developed two Sensor Apps: Dolly Positioning and Detection of Pallet Pockets. Since it takes a high degree of accuracy to navigate packages in warehouses, these Sensor Apps have been built to allow the smooth automated versatility of mobile robots. Human employees are also greatly helped by these solutions, creating a safer and more efficient operation.

Dolly Positioning Sensor App

Success lies in precision when it comes to automation. The automatic pick-up of dollies with an AGV includes precise identification of the dolly 's location and position. Within a working range of 1.5-3 m, the Dolly Positioning Sensor App helps fulfil this requirement.

Pallet Pocket Detection Sensor App

A different need is fulfilled by the Pallet Pocket Detection Sensor App: reliable detection of storage spaces and pallets. This is particularly important at high elevations, as is typical in an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) for storing and removing loads using industrial trucks.

Since the Sensor App for Pallet Pocket Detection is based on SICK App Space, it is also possible to use SICK App Manager to load application-specific key apps to the sensor. In several warehouses, this level of customization is useful.