C h a p t e r 3
AMRs must operate within complex,
dynamic environments where
they interact with other machines,
infrastructure, and human workers.
Therefore, reliable connectivity is
essential to letting AMRs communicate
effectively within an industrial or
warehouse setting. In the same vein,
robust safety and security measures are
necessary to protect both the robot and
its surroundings.
Communication Interfaces
Connectivity in AMRs is split into wired
and wireless communication systems,
each serving different functions.
Wired communication is primarily used
for internal system communication, for
which precise synchronization between
the robot controller, motor control, and
perception subsystems is required.
Wireless communication enables the
AMR
to exchange data with external
networks, including factory management
systems, cloud services, and other robots
in the fleet.
Where high-speed, low-latency data
transfer is needed, wired communication
is the solution of choice. For example,
many of the internal subsystems of an
AMR—such as cameras, LiDAR sensors,
motor controllers, and safety modules—
require time-synchronized communication
to guarantee efficient decision-making
and motion execution.
CONNECTIVITY AND SAFETY
David Gallego
EMEA Key Technical Support AMR, KUKA
Systems in a mobile robotics
application must strike a balance
between wired and wireless
connections. Wired systems offer
greater robustness and tend to
centralize communications, but
wireless systems offer much greater
flexibility in dynamic environments."
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13 Experts Discuss Autonomous Mobile Robots
