PAN-Robots

Plug And Navigate ROBOTS for smart factories (PAN-ROBOTS) is a Seventh Framework Programme project. Its objective is to develop, demonstrate and validate a generic automation system for factory logistics in modern factories based on advanced Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV). PAN-ROBOTS consortium proposes a new generation of flexible, cost effective, safe and green AGVs in combination with advanced infrastructure systems. Those advanced AGVs will be able to transport material and products in modern factories based on autonomous on-board path planning and navigation to enable high flexibility. The perception system to guide the AGVs through the factory will be based on a novel cooperative approach. Advanced on-board sensors will be combined with infrastructure sensors to enhance the cost effectiveness and increase safety. The fleet management will be intuitive and easy to use by workers. In addition the installation time and costs will be dramatically reduced by semi-automated plant exploration supported by a localization approach utilizing already existing landmarks and an advanced pallet handling system which detects and picks the pallets autonomously. Finally, the developed generic system will be exemplarily validated in the production process of a bottling company and against the needs provided by the already established PAN-ROBOTS user group.