Bumpers and contact sensors for AGVs
Safety bumpers and edges for Automatic Guided Vehicles
Bumpers and contact sensors for AGVs
Safety bumpers and edges for Automatic Guided Vehicles
AGV systems, acronym for Automated or Automatic Guided Vehicle (also known as Laser Guided Vehicle – LGV or Self-Guided Vehicles – SGV), are vehicles used mainly in the industrial field for the handling of products within factories or warehouses.
AGV systems, acronym for Automated or Automatic Guided Vehicle (also known as Laser Guided Vehicle – LGV or Self-Guided Vehicles – SGV), are vehicles used mainly in the industrial field for the handling of products within factories or warehouses.
Specific standards and training are necessary to use and maintain AGVs, the safety devices installed on board play a fundamental role in factory safety and the ease of use for workers. For many decades, WIDE Automation safety sensors have been guaranteeing maximum reliability and productivity on self-driving vehicles – AGVs. The ease of installation along with convenient integration costs, low maintenance allows the reduced risk of accident to people and objects. The shape and dimensions of the sensors are full customizable which result in the perfect integration into the vehicles, effectively achieving all the safety and performance requirements.
Specific standards and training are necessary to use and maintain AGVs, the safety devices installed on board play a fundamental role in factory safety and the ease of use for workers.
For many decades, WIDE Automation safety sensors have been guaranteeing maximum reliability and productivity on self-driving vehicles – AGVs. The ease of installation along with convenient integration costs, low maintenance allows the reduced risk of accident to people and objects. The shape and dimensions of the sensors are full customizable which result in the perfect integration into the vehicles, effectively achieving all the safety and performance requirements.
How do bumpers or sensitive edges for AGV safety work
How do bumpers or sensitive edges for AGV safety work
Pressure-sensitive (sensing) Safety bumpers and safety edges allow automatic vehicles to detect any obstacles in their path, so that the AGVs can stop promptly without causing accidents or damage to people objects. In fact, when the safety sensor is positioned correctly, it allows an electronic stop signal to be sent to an electronic safety unit, which stops the machine.
In addition, the particular reactivity of the sensing mechanism allows the operator to activate the sensor in the event of imminent danger by simply pressing it. Therefore, if the sensor is activated by pressure, the AGV will remain stopped until it is manually released.
Pressure-sensitive (sensing) Safety bumpers and safety edges allow automatic vehicles to detect any obstacles in their path, so that the AGVs can stop promptly without causing accidents or damage to people objects. In fact, when the safety sensor is positioned correctly, it allows an electronic stop signal to be sent to an electronic safety unit, which stops the machine.
In addition, the particular reactivity of the sensing mechanism allows the operator to activate the sensor in the event of imminent danger by simply pressing it. Therefore, if the sensor is activated by pressure, the AGV will remain stopped until it is manually released.
The safety regulations
In addition to indicating the paths of the AGVs so that operators cannot accidentally find themselves in their trajectory, various standards regulate the safety of self-driving vehicles in the European Union, such as:
The safety regulations
Pressure sentive bumpers for AGVs:
100% made-to-measure safety
Sensitive bumpers are shock absorbing safety sensors designed to protect people from injuries resulting from potential impacts. They appear as shaped sponge-filled (expanded resin) cushions covered with an outer shell made of synthetic leather or PU and are anchored to a rigid base, which is fixed to the vehicle.
Pressure sentive bumpers for AGVs: 100% made-to-measure safety
Sensitive bumpers are shock absorbing safety sensors designed to protect people from injuries resulting from potential impacts. They appear as shaped sponge-filled (expanded resin) cushions covered with an outer shell made of synthetic leather or PU and are anchored to a rigid base, which is fixed to the vehicle.
If an object or a person is in the path of travel of the AGV, the crushing of the surface of the bumper causes the activation of a block signal, managed by an electronic control unit.
Generally, bumpers are installed on the front of the vehicle, but they can also be placed on the rear or on the sides depending on the specific application and direction of travel of the AGV.
If an object or a person is in the path of travel of the AGV, the crushing of the surface of the bumper causes the activation of a block signal, managed by an electronic control unit.
Generally, bumpers are installed on the front of the vehicle, but they can also be placed on the rear or on the sides depending on the specific application and direction of travel of the AGV.
WIDE Automation bumpers are built around the machine that needs to be made safe, and are completely customizable in colors, shape or pressure sensitivity, in full compliance with safety regulations
WIDE Automation bumpers are built around the machine that needs to be made safe, and are completely customizable in colors, shape or pressure sensitivity, in full compliance with safety regulations
Sensitive edges as safety profiles
Sensitive edges as safety profiles
AGVs can be equipped with safety sensing edges, otherwise known as pressure-sensitive edges or sensitive profiles. These profiles are arranged along the entire perimeter or only on certain sides of the machine.
A sensitive edge consists of an external rubber profile with a hollow chamber, mounted on an aluminum profile (available in various shapes), through which it is fixed to the AGV vehicle.
Within the edge, there are two conductive parts. As soon as pressure is exerted on the external surface, these two come into contact and send a signal to an electronic control unit. The signal is translated into the blocking of the movement of the machine, while protecting the AGV and any object or person in its path.
Within the edge, there are two conductive parts. As soon as pressure is exerted on the external surface, these two come into contact and send a signal to an electronic control unit. The signal is translated into the blocking of the movement of the machine, while protecting the AGV and any object or person in its path.
