SPECIAL FEATURE: SAFETY
THE PATH TO SAFETY
IS AN AUTOMATED CHOICE
The RSL 400 safety laser scanner not only
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REN284
ensures that automated guided vehicles
(AGVs) are operated safely by means of
protective and warning fields, but it also
simultaneously captures the measurement values
for the navigation software.
When the triangulation principle is used for
navigation, AGVs are usually equipped with two
different sensors: one for safety and one for
navigation.
The new RSL 400 safety laser scanner from
Leuze electronic offers a true alternative: not only
is it capable of handling the safety aspects, but
it also provides all measurement values for the
AGV's navigation based on the natural-navigation
principle. In addition to that, the measurement
values have an extremely high angular resolution
and accuracy. This is important to precisely
determine the position of the AGV. This means
that only one scanner is needed for safety and
navigation.
Measurement value output of the RSL 400 is
optimised for navigation software that functions
according to the principle of natural navigation with
simultaneous localisation and mapping n(SLAM).
With each revolution of its deflection unit,
which last 40 milliseconds each, the safety
laser scanner emits 2700 light pulses.
These are scattered in all directions on
obstacles. Parts of the scattered light are
transmitted back to the scanner and used
to calculate the distance to the obstacle.
Similar to a map, the navigation software
contains an image of the respective room,
including all fixed boundaries. The current position
of the AGV is then calculated by comparing the
measurement values to the map. This concept is
referred to as natural navigation.
The more detailed and exact the measurement
values of a scanner are, the more precisely the
AGV can navigate. With an angular resolution of
0.1°, the RSL 400 can capture the environment
in high detail over the entire measurement range
up to 50 m. This is achieved through a particularly
narrow laser spot that maintains its perpendicular
shape over the entire scanning angle. It also
reduces incorrect measurements, the likes of
which can occur on edges.
Obstacle distance is also covered. In addition to
the angular resolution, the distance values are
also important. With a typical error accuracy of
< 30 mm, these are highly precise. In addition to
that, the values are not affected by the reflectance
of the object, whether it is a reflector or a black
wall. The additional output of the received signal
strength value for each beam allows autonomous
detection of reflectors by the navigation software.
When beams strike a reflector, the values differ
greatly from any other environment. This makes
simple and reliable detection possible. In addition
to the navigation aspects, there is no lack of
safety: the compact RSL 400 safety laser scanner
offers up to 100 switchable protective and warning
field pairs. In 4-field mode with 50 switchable field
sets, the device can monitor up to four protective
fields simultaneously. This enables safe and reliable
reduction of the speed of AGVs. With a scanning
angle of 270°, the RSL 400 can also cover the
front and side areas of AGVs at the same time.
The unit has an operating range of 8.25 metres.
REN291
22 April 2019