New video! and STILL the coolest warehouse I've ever seen!
From my curiosity last time Kiva popped up, localization is via QR codes placed on the floor in a grid. The bots navigate that grid like cellular automata and are directed by a central computer but each robot has sensors to autonomously avoid obstacles. (i.e. people or dropped items) Below is one of the more informative videos on Youtube.
If memory serves me correctly, the sensors are pretty much all over the warehouse. I toured one of these facilities o utside Seattleseveral years ago before they were actually working. As a warehouse manager back then we were looking for ways to cut costs (and, unfortunately, people as well). I believe they had sensors built in to the floors, along walls and even within the racks. This made sure they all stayed on track and did the job they were suppose to.
Discovery Channel has a show about the Mercedes facility in Stuttgart, Germany. If you have never seen it, it is definately worth watching. That facility is AMAZING!!!!!!!!
jdolecki
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Any idea how the nav is done? I see markings on the floor. Optics, maybe?
-Phil
I couldnt find anything on the Navigation.
And Amazon just bought Kiva last year I think.
From my curiosity last time Kiva popped up, localization is via QR codes placed on the floor in a grid. The bots navigate that grid like cellular automata and are directed by a central computer but each robot has sensors to autonomously avoid obstacles. (i.e. people or dropped items) Below is one of the more informative videos on Youtube.
Lawson
Discovery Channel has a show about the Mercedes facility in Stuttgart, Germany. If you have never seen it, it is definately worth watching. That facility is AMAZING!!!!!!!!