Head of Systems
Languages:
EN, FR, IT
ANT navigation technology is an accurate, robust and flexible solution that meets the evolving needs of vehicle producers and operators. Based on 25 years of industry experience, ANT is simple to use and cost-effective to install and modify. All BlueBotics products are FCC/CE certified.
TO INSTALL
& MODIFY
TO
±1 cm / ±1°
FLEETS UP TO 300,
ANY VEHICLE TYPE
There are numerous types of AGV navigation technology available today. The table below explains the relative strengths and weaknesses of each.
These AGVs are equipped with a specific sensor to follow a physical line
on the ground (e.g. magnetic tape, inductive wire).
These vehicles are equipped with a specific sensor (e.g. a camera or code reader),
which follows a route defined by tags.
The position of the vehicle is triangulated using laser beams that are
reflected back from reflectors. The paths followed are virtual.
Uses cameras to recognize features in the environment, with which the
vehicle's position is calculated. The paths followed are virtual.
Uses points measured with a vehicle's laser scanner(s) to identify – and
thereafter match – structures in the environment. The environment
is regularly re-scanned, and the paths followed are virtual.
Also called: SLAM navigation, free navigation.
Uses features measured with a laser scanner to identify – and thereafter
match – structures in the environment. The environment is scanned once,
the system then recognizes a small number of permanent features within
that environment during every future mission. The paths followed are virtual.
Also called: SLAM navigation, free navigation.
ANT natural feature navigation (sometimes called ‘natural navigation’, 'free navigation' or ‘SLAM navigation’) uses a vehicle’s existing laser safety scanners to first identify and then match permanent features in the environment, such as walls, pillars, and machines.
Drive your AGV manually around the site. Our ANT lab software (supplied) records data from the vehicle’s safety laser scanners, which is then used to generate a 2D map. Lastly, ‘clean’ this map by removing any dynamic objects, leaving only permanent features such as walls and pillars. These ‘references’ will be used to calculate your vehicle’s position, allowing it to navigate effectively.
Start your first mission! Your ANT driven vehicle will use a combination of safety scanner data and odometry to move safely through the environment, following your pre-defined routes and actions. In the case of multiple AGVs, traffic and fleet management is easily handled by our ANT server software (available with ANT lite+).
Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT) includes a wide range of features to automate your AGV, forklift or mobile robot. Each function has been designed to bring real-world value, based on the needs of customers around the world.
Application Developer, Cimcorp North America
“After a week to prepare the map and pick/drop positions, we turned on our client’s fleet and were able to run full production the same day. We have 12 AGVs and 6 loading positions delivering to 80 unloading positions. The performance and stability of BlueBotics’ ANT lab software has really saved us a lot of time during commissioning."
CEO, DTA
“ANT is great but what makes also the difference is the service you have. I get an answer immediately, and you always answer. This makes the difference.”
CEO, LIFTCO E.E.
“BlueBotics’ technology is the most robust natural feature navigation software around. We couldn’t believe its potential, or the precision possible, until we saw it with our own eyes. And when integrating ANT into our forklift trucks, the support was excellent, simply the best.”
Director, Azimuth Technologies
“We relied on BlueBotics’ very helpful and professional engineering support to develop an automated solution for transferring super-heavy components. Our AGV works hand-in-hand with our robotic arm station, delivering high efficiency with less manpower.”
When you choose ANT natural feature navigation, our experienced team of engineers works closely with you to ensure the successful integration of this technology into your vehicle.
We provide on-site support as standard during this process. We even help you install your vehicle at your first customer's site. Again, at no extra cost.
Languages:
EN, FR, IT
Languages:
EN, FR, DE, ES
Languages:
EN, FR, IT
ANT lite+
ANT localization+
ANT localization
Do you have a question about which navigation technology to choose? Would you like to discuss a specific application? Or are you curious to see an on-screen ANT demo? Click below to schedule a call with our expert team.