Software for AGVs and AMRs
BlueBotics has launched SmartPass, part of its ANT software suite for AGVs and AMRs. SmartPass enables ANT-driven automated vehicles to follow virtual paths most of the time—for efficient, robust and repeatable operation—while performing pragmatic obstacle avoidance maneuvers when blockages are detected.
SmartPass adds smart, configurable obstacle avoidance to ANT navigation’s default ‘virtual path follower’ mode. This ensures the traffic management features of the ANT server fleet manager are also applied to SmartPass maneuvers.
Vehicles using SmartPass take the shortest route around an obstacle—within pre-configured limits—before returning immediately to their virtual path. SmartPass-enabled vehicles also move faster than traditional AMRs. Travelling at optimal speeds and with optimal acceleration, they follow virtual paths and respect clear traffic rules most of the time, switching to slower, more reactive speeds only when needed.
Vehicle actions like moving forks and communicating with equipment take place during SmartPass maneuvers. SmartPass maneuvers are blocked near pick/drop points to guarantee precision.