FAQ

A = Autonomous means that the robot can act independently, including navigating on its own. This includes automatically circumnavigating objects in its path and dynamically recalculating new routes.

M = Mobile means that the robot can move on its own with/without a payload.

R = Robot means that it is a programmed machine capable of movement, handling objects, or positioning itself to execute tasks. It also means that it will never call in sick or go on vacation. In fact, it will happily perform dull, dirty and dangerous tasks 24/7/365.

Take-away:

• The “A” in “AMR” stands for “Autonomous” (not “Automated” or “Automatic”).
  This is important because “Autonomous” helps distance AMRs from AGVs (see next question), while at the same time signaling a huge shift away from the older “guided” technology.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are the “predecessors” of AMRs and date all the way back to the 1950s, when the first systems were introduced as “driverless tuggers” in warehouses.

Today, AGVs remain popular for predictable, structured environments, such as static supply chain loops.

Despite technological improvements, however, AGVs remain restricted to movement along fixed routes/paths - typically guided by magnetic strips, wires, QR codes or reflectors. Thus, if an object blocks its path, the AGV stops and cannot proceed until the object is removed. Think “train”.

AMRs, on the other hand, use onboard sensors, lasers and cameras to process and map their surroundings to enable free navigation. This allows AMRs to automatically circumnavigate objects in their path, recalculate new routes and much, much more. Think “truck”.

Take-away:

• AGVs lack the ability to dynamically navigate and make real-time path decisions (like AMRs)

Yes. One of our partners will deploy the entire GoPal solution (i.e., robots, accessories and GoControl) in close cooperation with you and with due consideration to the daily operation of your facility.

Prior to deployment, ensure that you have Wi-Fi coverage in those areas, where the robot(s) will be operating. Also ensure that you have the required number of power outlets (230V/13A) near the planned Charging Station(s).

Very safe. The entire GoPal solution has been designed with safety as top priority and the robot(s) automatically detect and avoid objects and people. The robots are programmed to take all necessary precautions to minimize danger and will stop immediately if approached by moving objects (e.g., forklifts).

Yes. The GoPal solution operates on your internal network and does not require Internet access. As such, the GoPal enjoys the same protection from data security breaches as all other computers on your internal network.

Absolutely. In fact, it is what we would recommend. As the GoPal solution does not require any major changes to your facility or workflows, start by deploying just a single robot to see if this type of automatization is the right fit for your company. And since the GoPal solution scales easily, you can add robots and accessories at your own pace.

AGVs have been around since the 1950's and operate like "trains". AGV characteristics include:

• Strict navigation by having to follow guides in the floor (e.g., tape or lines)
• Operation in dedicated lanes
• If path is blocked, the AGV stops and will not proceed until the obstacle has been removed from its path

AMRs (such as the GoPal) have been around since around 2010 and operate like "taxis". AMR characteristics include:

• Dynamic navigation using features/objects in its surroundings to navigate on its own (i.e., autonomously) using lasers and 3D cameras
• Operation in dynamic and configurable zones
• If path is blocked, the AMR automatically stops, recalculates a new route, circumnavigates the obstacle, and proceeds to its destination

See the difference here: https://youtu.be/OPVsP7p4BzY?t=71