Guidance Automation
Autonomous Mobile Robot Development Taken to the Next Level

Technology is transforming every aspect of manufacturing and logistics. But while the ultimate vision may be a full lights-out operation, delivering extraordinary levels of efficiency and accuracy 24×7, and leveraging real-time data to optimise every process on the fly, the reality for the vast majority of businesses is very different. Although the idea of fully automating a factory or warehouse may seem inviting, it is not a viable option for many businesses because of the cost and disruption involved in building a brand-new facility. It's important to note that complete automation in lieu of the human workforce may not be the best strategy for achieving significant productivity and increased efficiency. What Guidance Automation—a trailblazer in guidance, navigation, and control technologies— proposes is a perfect symbiosis of robotics and humans for the next-generation warehouse floor, combining the efficiency of machines with the intuitiveness of humans.

Especially in the face of the pandemic, the company is helping organisations supplement their existing workforce with robotics technology, paving the way for the collaborative robot, or cobot. With over 25 years of experience in the field of developing advanced solutions for the global robotic vehicle market, Guidance Automation is completely revolutionising the warehouse floor. The company’s autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are designed to work seamlessly with existing operations, from warehouse management systems (WMS) to enterprise resource planning (ERP), enabling rapid adoption with minimal disruption.

“Smart automation has the potential to deliver great economic benefits, but there remain many concerns that the use of AI and robotics could displace many existing jobs. With the desire for automation increasing and more sectors looking to deploy the technology, particularly within manufacturing, logistics and distribution, it’s important to understand how automation can augment the workforce, rather than replacing it,” says Dr Paul Rivers, CEO of Guidance Automation.

Guidance Automation is now gearing its focus on enhanced intelligence such as AI, dynamic optimisation, and free-roaming navigation

Indeed, the company is doing just that with its technological capabilities. Today, a notable solution in Guidance Automation’s portfolio is moNitrav™—a scalable traffic management system for material handling applications. moNitrav™ manages the movement of autonomous vehicles through dynamic task scheduling, route generation, and real-time data analysis to ensure optimal process throughput and effective use of resources.

Moving a step further, the company also has expanded its solution for guidance navigation and control through kingpiN™, a versatile, industry-proven controller specifically designed for AMR applications. kingpiN™ is a smart controller specifically designed and built for robotic vehicle applications. It has a built-in pedigree that accelerates robotic vehicle development without compromising the user’s ability to stay in control of vehicle functionality. kingpiN™ is a truly modular solution, allowing user choice and easy adaptation to application needs.

What’s more? Guidance Automation offerings don’t end here. With dynamic scheduling and traffic management, and a generic AMR controller, the company has also developed Beacon—a highly accurate AMR/AGV laser navigation system that derives position using a 360° Lidar scanner and reflective target constellation. In addition, the company has built Scene— an intelligent, laser-based natural feature navigation system that means no wires, tapes or navigation marks, and is capable of navigating by reference to existing features within a working environment.

Having already set itself apart with its innovative business model and a range of robust solutions, Guidance Automation is now gearing its focus on enhanced intelligence such as AI, dynamic optimisation, and free-roaming navigation. Besides, the company is also poised to expand to new markets. For the coming months, therefore, the company is poised to the continuous advancement of innovative and optimal vehicle automation.