Forklift guidance system
Source: CAN Newsletter September 2007
Dr. Rolf Schmidt (Sensor-Technik Wiedemann)
Floor space in modern high-rack warehouses is very expensive, and every square foot saved also saves a high amount of investment costs. For this reason, warehouse architects design the aisles as narrow as possible. Much faster forklift movements and less distance to the racks are possible with an automatic guidance system, which takes over the steering in the aisle, than with manual steering. One important aspect of this application is safety for the driver and the vehicle by an automatic self-monitoring of the guidance system.
Inductive guidance system
Part of an inductive guidance system is the inlaid floor guidance wire, which carries current with a defined amperage and frequency. An antenna measures the magnetic field around the wire. Through the signal strength and direction of the magnetic field the system can determine its position in relation to the guidance wire. A steering controller then calculates set-points for the steering system. A simultaneous supervision of the vehicle deviation from the guidance wire allows an emergency stop.
