Mitsubishi creates new technology to control in-building mobile robots

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has recently announced its technological development to control in-building mobile robots, by using building dynamic maps. This new 3D building map will show the status of mobilities within the building, including their interactions with elevators and access control systems, location, and passable routes. The in-building mobile robots find application in cleaning, delivery, security, guidance, as well as next-gen electric wheelchairs.

The electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing company’s newly introduced technology can help connect these robots to the building’s systems for safe and efficient movement of people and In-building Mobilities. This technology is expected to help realize the vision of a smart building where advanced IoT is deployed, allowing people and robots to coexist in harmony to form labor- and energy-saving work environments.

A major task performed by the company’s newly developed In-building Mobilities technology is the efficient control of mobilities’ movement inside the building to avoid collisions. The system automatically guides the mobilities through elevators, narrow aisles, and prevents them from entering prohibited areas or crowded elevators. The system uses the map while crossing an access-control gate to prioritize the movement of people and avoid accidents. Access-control systems and elevators are directly linked together for safe and efficient movement of In-building Mobilities within the building.

Additionally, the system can help reduce building management workloads. For instance, in case a mobility device breaks down, the new technology will record the operations of the elevator and other mobilities to locate each unit on the building dynamic map.

For the efficient workflow of the system, animated lighting is displayed on the building floors when the mobilities board or alight the elevator. This will allow people to anticipate the movements of mobilities getting on and off the elevators, for smooth and safe entry or exit from the elevators. The animated lighting also indicates the movement of In-building Mobilities in other building spaces to avoid collision, including narrow pathways or during poor visibility conditions.

Source credit:

https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/news/2020/0204-a.html