Magnetic guide sensor can help robot navigation

The MGS1600C by Roboteq is a magnetic guide sensor capable of detecting and reporting the position of a magnetic field along its horizontal axis for mobile robot navigation.

May 10, 2013

Roboteq Inc.’s MGS1600C is a magnetic guide sensor capable of detecting and reporting the position of a magnetic field along its horizontal axis. The sensor is intended for line following robotic applications, using adhesive magnetic tape to form a track guide on the floor.

The 165 mm wide sensor uses advanced signal processing to accurately measure its lateral distance from the center of the track, from a height up to 60mm. With a position resolution of 1mm, the MGS1600C provides the highest precision in the market. 

The sensor is primarily used to steer Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), moving material on factory floors. However, its unique sensitivity and accuracy opens a world of new application opportunities, such as automatic shelf replenishing in supermarkets, patient transport in hospitals, stage theater props, or rail-less tramways. 

Compared to other guiding techniques, magnetic guides are passive and easy to lay and modify. The tape creates an invisible field that is immune to dirt and unaffected by lighting conditions. The magnetic track can be totally hidden under any non-ferrous flooring material, such as linoleum, tiles, or carpet. 

The MGS1600C is now enclosed in robust IP64, water splash resistant plastic enclosure. The unit is delivered with a 2 meter long, 16-wire round cable that is sealed in the sensor. For setup and troubleshooting, a USB connector is accessible by removing a screw plug on the top of the case. The sensor can be powered from any 5 V to 30 V source, or from the USB. 

The sensor will detect and manage up to 2-way forks and can be instructed to follow the left or right track using commands issued via its digital inputs, the Serial, USB or CANbus ports. 

The sensor is equipped with several LEDs for easy monitoring and diagnostics. The sensor incorporates a high performance, Basic-like scripting language that allows users to add fully customized functionality to the sensor. 

The sensor is delivered with a powerful PC utility for configuring its settings, and updating its firmware in the field with new features as they become available.

Roboteq Inc.

www.roboteq.com 

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