Analysis:
Active, roller-top payloads are one of the most popular solutions that ROEQ sells for AMRs. A roller-top conveyor may be simple in design, but in practical implementation, triggering the cargo-exchange interaction between an AMR and a conveyor docking station has to be done wirelessly. ROEQ learned the hard way that WiFi communication, position sensors, contact sensors and many other event triggering options all present inconsistent failure modes.

The GuardCom system uses a proven and robust, coded light sensor technology to enable communication between a device attached to the top roller on an AMR and a device attached to a stationary conveyor station. GuardCom signals to the conveyor system that the AMR is in place and ready to receive or deliver goods. The communication between devices is secure, safe and instantaneous.

The net result is a robust, wireless, event-signaling solution that improves the productivity of conveyance AMRs and delivers a fault-tolerant mode of communication between devices. – Mike Oitzman

---