Nowadays, robots have been introduced into industrial facilities to help improve productivity and efficiency. In the process of transitioning from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, industrial manufacturers have been actively utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance competitiveness, while focusing on people-oriented strategies and sustainable development. In order to pursue higher efficiency and quality, enterprises are seeking to enhance human-computer interaction, which greatly promotes the widespread application of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AMR requires a comprehensive software and hardware system to collaborate with operators in modern manufacturing or warehousing facilities. Robots generate significant impact force and move at a fast speed, which may pose certain risks, such as injuring workers in accidental collisions. We must carefully manage such risks, not only by developing relevant operational procedures, but also by paying attention to the design of the robots themselves.

How to design an AMR system that can safely and effectively collaborate with humans, and what key elements need to be considered? This article explores. We will analyze how Onsemi's advanced solutions serve as the fundamental building blocks for AMR subsystems, providing designers with powerful tools that improve productivity without compromising safety.

Automation and humans grow side by side

The widespread application of industrial robots began in the computer age of the 1960s. In the past two decades, advances in digital technology have given rise to collaborative mobile robots that can navigate complex environments and collaborate with teams to complete tasks.

With the development of industrial automation from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, the level of human-machine interaction will further drive the demand for AMR.

AMR is cost-effective, easy to deploy, and can work collaboratively with operators to achieve better results than working alone. For example, collaborative robots excel in speed, accuracy, and consistency, making them an ideal choice for repetitive tasks such as welding and assembly line work, allowing workers to focus on more complex tasks that require higher cognitive skills.

Traditional fixed robots can be physically separated from humans to prevent injury. With the introduction of the concept of shared workspaces, new challenges have arisen. AMR must be able to sense sudden external forces and quickly stop moving when necessary. Although collisions with people and objects in the workplace are difficult to avoid, robots must be able to reduce impact to prevent injury to personnel and damage to objects. Robot designers can leverage advances in sensing technology and vision systems to overcome these challenges and integrate the power and precision of robots more closely with human creative problem-solving abilities.

Key subsystems in AMR

AMR uses multiple sensors, artificial intelligence, and advanced algorithms to interact with the environment, making decisions, detecting obstacles, and collaborating safely with operators and other machines.

In this article, we will focus on the sensing, motor control, and lighting subsystems.

Sensing subsystem

Sensors enable robots to adapt to their operating environment and make decisions based on real-time data. There are various types of sensors, including imaging, ultrasonic, infrared, inductive, and inertial sensors, aimed at enhancing the navigation capability and safety of robots. To cope with complex environments such as loading ramps, multiple types of sensors may be required, and in this case, sensor fusion is needed to merge data from multiple sensors.

Ansenmei AR0234CS is an advanced global shutter image sensor that can generate very clear and sharp digital images. This sensor has been optimized with an innovative pixel design, capable of accurately and quickly capturing moving scenes at a speed of 120 frames per second, and producing clear low-noise images in both low light and strong light scenes. AR0234CS is capable of capturing video streams and single frames, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of industrial applications such as AMR.

AR0234C is just one of Anson's many advanced sensors, and Anson's extensive product portfolio also includes ARRAYRDM-0112A20-QFN, a quasi one-stop solution for single point LiDAR systems. The NCV75215 ultrasonic sensor adopts low-cost ToF measurement technology, with a measurement range of 0.25 meters to 4.5 meters, making it a wise choice for AMR applications.

Motion Control Subsystem

Robots must be able to perform repetitive and precise movements. Most moving parts, including robotic arms and traction systems, rely on brushless direct current (BLDC) motors controlled by complex algorithms. Usually, BLDC is controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs), which use discrete components such as MOSFETs, IGBTs, gate drivers, and diodes. Power Integrated Modules (PIM) and Intelligent Power Modules (IPM) provide higher integration, reducing the number of components and saving space.

Ansenmei offers a wide range of discrete components and modules, including the NCD83591 motor driver, which is an easy-to-use 60V multi-purpose three-phase gate driver with a high gain bandwidth current detection amplifier, perfect for robot motor control. This gate driver adopts a small QFN28 (4x4mm) package with high integration, which is particularly suitable for BOM overall optimization.

The inductive position sensors NCS3210 and NCV77320 provided by Ansenmei are used in motion control systems to measure the rotation of wheels or other moving parts.

Lighting subsystem

Lighting technology is used to illuminate pathways, assist AMR navigation and operation, and indicate its own status and intention through signaling and indicator lights, thereby communicating with other personnel and devices. The reason for choosing LED lighting technology is its excellent performance in brightness, color temperature, and power consumption. LED lighting solutions can be constructed using various components, including but not limited to LED drivers, buck or boost converters, and power MOSFETs.

The LED controller and driver components are responsible for monitoring the current inside the LED, causing it to emit light of specific intensity and wavelength. The LED driving circuit uses high side and low side power MOSFETs to turn on or off the LED current and protect the LED from overvoltage and overcurrent conditions, thereby ensuring the stability of the LED driving circuit. NCV7685 has 12 linear programmable constant current sources, using the same reference voltage, and supports 128 different adjustable PWM duty cycle levels. This linear LED driver is used for LED regulation and control, making it ideal for AMR and automotive applications.

Ansenmei's comprehensive support for robot technology

The application of robots is advancing rapidly, and whoever introduces innovative solutions for robots first is expected to receive substantial returns. Ansenmei is well aware of the challenges faced by corporate clients in the rapidly changing market, and provides full support to the market with our profound technical capabilities and professional knowledge.

Ansenmei has a leading advantage in sensing and robotics technology, thanks to our strong global infrastructure and our expertise in design, manufacturing, and solution engineering. Our extensive product portfolio encompasses various technologies, such as BLDC motor control kits, battery charging and power conversion solutions, sensor fusion solutions, communication solutions, and LED lighting drivers. Ansenmei has profound knowledge in the industrial and automotive markets, and is able to provide system level support to customers while offering flexible and scalable products and solutions for robotic systems.

conclusion

Unlike previous robots that were separated from humans, the latest generation of robots must be able to safely collaborate with humans and prevent injuries and damage to objects. The new generation of robot solutions is changing many industries, including manufacturing, e-commerce, healthcare, and transportation. These industries face enormous competitive pressure and must improve efficiency while ensuring quality and safety are not affected. The new generation of flexible and customizable robots is designed to collaborate with humans, perform repetitive tasks with precision requirements, and help people shift their focus to higher value activities.

This is reported by Top Components, a leading supplier of electronic components in the semiconductor industry

They are committed to providing customers around the world with the most necessary, outdated, licensed, and hard-to-find parts.

Media Relations

Name: John Chen

Email: salesdept@topcomponents.ru