Industrial AI takes automated material handling to a higher level.
Thanks to Siemens’ new developments, material handling within factories can be automated even further. The company announced that it is integrating its Operations Copilot system, based on industrial artificial intelligence, into advanced transport systems.
Faster deployment, simpler operation
This development significantly accelerates and simplifies the commissioning and operation of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The introduction of AGVs is a particularly complex and time-consuming process, as they need to be integrated into the factory’s existing IT and OT infrastructure and configured for specific conditions, such as routes and transfer stations.
For faster deployment, engineers can rely on Operations Copilot, which is being expanded with AI agents. The system uses data provided by the vehicles’ sensors and cameras to create an accurate picture of the environment, collects real-time data, and also has access to technical documentation. Through the artificial intelligence-based interface, users can also assign tasks to the devices—for example, transporting materials within the production hall.
Autonomous transport devices in an intralogistics environment.
Greater safety in everyday operations
AGVs are equipped with navigation and sensor technologies that enable them to move safely and reliably in manufacturing and intralogistics environments—without direct human intervention. If an obstacle—such as a person or object—appears in their path, they automatically slow down, stop, or avoid it.
Siemens’ new software solution called Safe Velocity monitors vehicle speeds in a fail-safe manner and enables the protective fields of safety laser scanners to dynamically adapt to the environment in real time. The TÜV-certified software is compatible with hardware and software solutions from various AGV manufacturers and complements existing safety systems to meet industrial standards. It also reduces the need for additional safety hardware, simplifies system architecture, saves space on the vehicles, reduces engineering complexity, and minimizes wiring requirements.
The announcement was made at automatica, the world’s leading trade fair for automation and robotics.