ABB robots apply the technology of 3D visual synchronous positioning and map building (VSLAM) to their autonomous mobile robot (AMR), achieving technological upgrades and enabling AMR to make intelligent navigation decisions based on the surrounding environment. ABB’s 3D Vision SLAM (VSLAM) AMR uses artificial intelligence 3D vision technology to perform positioning and drawing functions, making production faster, more flexible, efficient, and resilient. At the same time, it can also undertake tedious, messy, and dangerous tasks, allowing people to focus on more valuable work.
3D Visual SLAM (VSLAM) combines artificial intelligence and 3D vision technology. Compared with other AMR navigation technologies, it undoubtedly has superior performance. Compared to other forms of navigation, such as tape, QR codes, and traditional 2D laser SLAM technology that requires additional infrastructure to function, 3D visual SLAM (VSLAM) AMR has significant advantages and is being accepted by enterprises to handle the expanding production and distribution tasks.
The 3D Visual SLAM (VSLAM) AMR we have introduced fundamentally enhances the operational capabilities of the enterprise, improves overall speed, efficiency, and flexibility, while allowing employees to engage in more valuable work. Our new AMR provides higher autonomy and intelligence, allowing for safe operation in dynamic and densely populated environments. 3D visual SLAM (VSLAM) technology has elevated the intelligence level of robots to a new level, extending robot applications from production and distribution to healthcare applications.
3D Visual SLAM (VSLAM) generates real-time 3D maps of all objects in the surrounding area through cameras installed on AMR. The system can distinguish between fixed navigation references added to the map (such as floors, ceilings, and walls) and objects that move or change position (such as people or vehicles). Its camera can detect and track natural features in the environment, enabling AMR to dynamically adapt to the surrounding environment and plan the safest and most efficient route to reach the destination. The difference between 3D visual SLAM (VSLAM) and 2D laser SLAM is that it does not require additional reference objects such as reflective plates or markers, saving costs and space, and can achieve precise positioning within 3mm.Compared to 2D laser SLAM, 3D visual SLAM (VSLAM) technology does not require environmental adjustments, production stoppages, or additional infrastructure, resulting in a 20% reduction in debugging time and a significant reduction in the time required to introduce new AMR into existing equipment groups. This technology can be widely used to remotely update AMR fleets. In addition, this technology only analyzes the original data and does not save any visual images on AMR or the server, so it is very safe.
ABB collaborated with leading provider of artificial intelligence and 3D vision technology, Sevensense, to develop the 3D Vision SLAM (VSLAM) AMR. This technology will be applied to the latest generation ABB AMR, which will be used on the AMR T702V starting from the third quarter of 2023 and on the AMR P604V starting from the fourth quarter of 2023. In addition, by 2025, ABB will gradually launch other AMR products that include 3D visual SLAM (VSLAM). Currently, 3D visual SLAM (VSLAM) technology has been deployed in industrial projects for automotive and retail customers. In the future, AMR will have the opportunity to replace its traditional production lines with intelligent modular production units.