Flexible delivery by an autonomous robot in a secure building

Abstract

In industrial settings, autonomous robotic systems have become more common. Companies use autonomous robots to optimise repetitive, time-consuming tasks and improve efficiency. Strategically integrating robots frees up human resources from manual tasks to boost workplace efficiency and productivity. As they pursue Industry 4.0 goals, companies need autonomous robots to meet strict security standards. This depends on preserving confidentiality regarding sensitive information and protecting personnel health and safety. The mobile robot in this experiment aimed to simplify the transportation of standard load carriers, such as plastic boxes used in Kanban storage racks. A controlled lab environment was needed to recreate the robot’s working environment. To streamline delivery, an innovative optical camera and depth vision were added. With this technology configuration, the robot could perform tasks independently. Limiting data retrieval helped the depth camera distinguish conventional boxes. The main project achievement was proving that an autonomous guided vehicle could transport plastic boxes while protecting company data. This method replaced manual part retrieval from secure locations, improving operational efficiency and reinforcing data security.