Development of an Autonomous Mobile Towing Vehicle for Logistic Tasks

Rocha, Cláudia; Sousa, Ivo; Ferreira, Francisco; Sobreira, Héber M.; Lima, José; Veiga, Germano; Moreira, António Paulo

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-35990-4_54

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…To ensure that the other tests could be done safely, the basic features of the TEA* were tested along with the extra features added to complement it 6 . Once all these tests were completed and working as intended, the supervisor was tested.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This goal is achieved by implementing a graph decomposition algorithm that will decompose the graph used by the TEA* algorithm before planning the paths and make the system more stable and robust when using a fleet of heterogeneous robots. The implemented path planning is applied to a real-time system that already exists, developed by [4] and [6] which already has the tools needed for graph based path coordination systems, such as position detection and controllers to move the robots along specific lines. Additionally, the ROS framework will be used to implement the entirety of the system.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Multi-robot Coordination for a Heterogeneous Fleet of Robots

Pereira

Matos

Rebelo

et al. 2022

Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

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There is an increasing need for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in industrial environments. The capability of autonomous movement and transportation of items in industrial environments provides a significant increase in productivity and efficiency. This need, coupled with the possibility of controlling groups of heterogeneous robots, simultaneously addresses a wide range of tasks with different characteristics in the same environment, further increasing productivity and efficiency. This paper will present an implementation of a system capable of coordinating a fleet of heterogeneous robots with robustness. The implemented system must be able to plan a safe and efficient path for these different robots. To achieve this task, the TEA* (Time Enhanced A*) graph search algorithm will be used to coordinate the paths of the robots, along with a graph decomposition module that will be used to improve the efficiency and safety of this system. The project was implemented using the ROS framework and the Stage simulator. Results validate the proposed approach since the system was able to coordinate a fleet of robots in various different tests efficiently and safely, given the heterogeneity of the robots.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi-robot Coordination for a Heterogeneous Fleet of Robots

Pereira

Matos

Rebelo

et al. 2022

Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Self Cite

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“…Designing the work system in the next step is examined for more than four decades [60][61][62]. Plonka proposes the application of autonomous mobile robots for the automation of transporting trolleys in hospital logistics, aspiring to relieve the human workforce from frequently carrying high loads and performing repetitive tasks [63]. When focusing on the evaluation of practices in work systems, Diefenbach et al investigate the physiological stress of handling bins on different levels of a tow train wagon by a computational study that proposes an optimal storage plan, which can significantly ease the physiological burden on the workforce [64].…”

Section: Physical Ergonomicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Logistics Work, Ergonomics and Social Sustainability: Empirical Musculoskeletal System Strain Assessment in Retail Intralogistics

et al. 2021

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Background: A large proportion of logistics jobs still rely on manual labor and therefore place a physical strain on employees. This includes the handling of heavy goods and physiologically unfavorable postures. Such issues pose a risk for employee health and work capability. This article provides a detailed empirical analysis and a decision process structure for the allocation of ergonomic measures in warehousing and intralogistics processes. Methods: The methodological basis is a load assessment of the musculoskeletal system in retail intralogistics. Based on the established measurements systems CUELA and OWAS, the specific loads on employees are assessed for four typical logistics workplace settings. These are combined with standards for efficient decision rules regarding contracting and developing ergonomic improvements. Results: The results suggest an increased risk of long-term low back injury for the selected four standard work situations in warehousing and likely apply to similar work environments in logistics. Using measures, posture descriptions, and international standards, we show how already few threshold values serve as sufficient conditions to decide if ergonomic interventions are required. Conclusions: The specific contribution is characterized by the combination of literature review results, empirical results, and the identification and discussion of specific mitigation measures. These elements are focused on the highly relevant ergonomic situation of logistics workers and present a unique contribution towards the knowledge base in this field due to the multi-perspective approach.

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“…In Rocha.C., et al, the development of an autonomous mobile towing vehicle for logistic tasks in hospital environments was developed [3]. The system aims to improve the ergonomics of individuals by automating transporting trolleys around the hospital, regardless of space con guration.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and Fabrication of a Portable App-controlled Mobile Robot for Towing Vehicles

Muhieitheen,

S.,

et al. 2024

Preprint

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With vehicular traffic on the rise and a significant increase in the frequency of breakdowns, comes the need for more efficient and timely towing assistance. The global towing market exceeded USD 7 billion in the year 2021, and, according to forecasts, will hit USD 20 billion by 2030. It is crucial to ensure that vehicles experiencing breakdown are towed away to safety, to reduce chances of accidents and prevent collisions with other vehicles that use the same roads. However, commercial towing services remain prone to human error, delays in arrival, and cost their customers significantly. The aim of this paper is to present the ProTow Bot, a smartphone-controlled portable vehicle tow, which can be operated by vehicle owners with ease. This is a compact and lightweight tank-style robot designed to lift and push forward consumer automobiles, in accordance with the owner’s directions issued via a phone app. This paper details the relevant traction calculations, mechanical and electrical design, programming, assembly, and testing of the ProTow Bot. Applications for the bot include individual ownership, support for supply chain companies relying on road transport, airplane movers, and warehouse inventory management.

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Development of an Autonomous Mobile Towing Vehicle for Logistic Tasks

Cited by 7 publications

References 12 publications

Multi-robot Coordination for a Heterogeneous Fleet of Robots

Multi-robot Coordination for a Heterogeneous Fleet of Robots

Logistics Work, Ergonomics and Social Sustainability: Empirical Musculoskeletal System Strain Assessment in Retail Intralogistics

Design and Fabrication of a Portable App-controlled Mobile Robot for Towing Vehicles

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