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Locator & Navigator

Precise real-time localization and reliable navigation for mobile robots and manually operated vehicles

As part of the Solution Set Mobile Robots, the Locator and Navigator software components offer a modular yet perfectly coordinated solution for the development of modern mobile platforms. They enable mobile robot manufacturers to significantly reduce development and commissioning times. The Locator enables centimeter-accurate laser localization and dynamic mapping of the environment, requiring no modifications to the physical infrastructure. Based on the localization data, the VDA 5050-compliant Navigator ensures predictive, precise, and natural motion planning for the mobile robot as it moves from point A to B. Used together or individually, the highly flexible apps form the basis for the rapid and efficient implementation of future-proof autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Standbildschirm zeigt eine schwarze Oberfläche mit weißen Strukturen und einem Pfeil. Darüber steht "Live View".

Locator – Flexible real-time localization for AGVs, AMRs, and forklifts

The localization software Locator from the Robotics Kit ROKIT offers a precise and robust solution for reliably determining the position of a wide variety of vehicle types. Designed specifically to meet the needs of manufacturers of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and manual forklifts, the software provides a real-time location system (RTLS) with centimeter-level accuracy in dynamic environments.

Using a powerful SLAM algorithm, the localization software uses up to two laser scanners to map the natural environment and creates digital maps that update automatically during operation. This “Natural Feature Navigation” approach eliminates the need for structural modifications such as reflectors, can be optionally supported by odometry fusion, and drastically reduces implementation and maintenance costs.

Benefits for mobile robot manufacturers:

  • Reduced development and application effort

  • Flexible, easy integration into existing systems

  • Intuitive operation

  • Shorter time to market

  • Reduced service requirements for end customers due to intuitive, user-friendly interface aXessor

Benefits for manufacturers and operators of manual vehicles:

  • Maximum transparency and complete traceability of vehicles (Track & Trace)
  • Available as an easily integrable retrofit solution
  • Can be used without any infrastructure modifications
  • Intuitive operation
  • More efficient material handling processes, reduced search times, and fewer empty runs
  • Significant cost savings and productivity gains
The static screen shows a black background with white patterns and an arrow tracing a path marked by waypoints. Above it reads “Global Monitoring.”

Precise navigation and motion planning for AMRs & AGVs

As another building block for mobile robotics, the navigation software Navigator from the Robotics Kit ROKIT offers an innovative solution for the precise motion planning and control of a wide variety of vehicle kinematics. The software reliably controls automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), ensuring natural, predictable movement – even in highly dynamic, complex, and confined indoor and outdoor logistics environments. With features such as fast and highly precise docking at transfer stations and optional obstacle avoidance, the Navigator takes your logistics to a new level.

The navigation software is based on an open architecture and is fully compatible with the VDA 5050 standard for fleet management systems. This enables manufacturers of mobile platforms to quickly and easily integrate the software into their vehicles and existing fleet management systems without additional adapters or interfaces, significantly reducing development and commissioning efforts.

Benefits for mobile robot manufacturers:

  • Flexible, easy integration into existing fleet management systems via VDA 5050
  • Reduced development, configuration, and application effort
  • Intuitive operation and easy commissioning
  • Shorter time-to-market thanks to standardized interfaces and modular architecture
  • Reduced service requirements for end customers due to robust obstacle avoidance and precise docking

Benefits for system integrators:

  • Easy implementation and adaptation to other vehicle types

  • Open architecture enables easy integration of additional sensors and actuators to implement custom solutions

In operation worldwide – proven thousands of times over

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K.Hartwall and Bosch Rexroth: From concept to implementation in record time

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The view from the driver’s seat of a manual forklift truck and a screen displaying a map are located in the production hall.

30% greater efficiency with SEP Logistik AG and the Locator

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Flexible integration options & maximum openness for your vehicle fleet

Configure mobile robotics exactly as your specific application requires: The localization software Locator and the navigation software Navigator are consistently designed for maximum openness. As building blocks of the Solution Set Mobile Robots, both solutions can be integrated as apps for the Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS, perfectly coordinated with one another.

On the other hand, thanks to their open, containerized architecture and standardized interfaces such as VDA 5050, they can also be used flexibly and completely independently of the operating system and hardware and seamlessly integrated into other Linux-based systems and x86-64- and ARM64-based hardware.

The topology for an automated guided vehicle system is shown, which represents the solution components of the Mobile Robots Solution Set from Bosch Rexroth: ctrlX HMI Panel Frame, ctrlX SAFETY, ctrlX CORE and ROKIT Wheel Drive Unit.

Solution Set for Mobile Robots

Configure your mobile platform – perfectly tailored to your specific application. Take advantage of maximum flexibility in component selection.

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Blue-and-white icon for the Locator and Navigator apps for ctrlX OS.

ctrlX OS Apps

Would you like to use the Locator or the Navigator with the operating system ctrlX OS? You can find the apps in the ctrlX OS Store:

ctrlX OS – Locator

ctrlX OS – Navigator

Two dark blue circles with light blue borders, one of which contains a location pin and the other a navigation arrow.

Apps for third-party solutions

Do you use your own operating system? Locator and Navigator can also be flexibly integrated into existing systems, depending on the available hardware and software. You can find the apps in the Rexroth Store:

Locator App

Navigator App

Locator and Navigator are perfectly suited for flexible use in a variety of applications

Manufacturers and end users use the Locator and Navigator to solve a wide range of localization and navigation tasks in mobile robotics and intralogistics: from production and assembly areas to warehousing and demanding outdoor applications.

An orange AGV loaded with crates travels through an automated assembly hall.

Production and assembly automation

  • Material supply to assembly lines: Reliable transport of parts and components directly to workstations.

  • Mixed-operation manufacturing: Safe and transparent coordination of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and manual forklifts in shared work areas.

  • Connecting workstations: Point-to-point transport and precise delivery of goods to machines and manufacturing cells by robots

An AGV loaded with packages is driving through a warehouse.

Logistics and Warehouse Management

  • Position tracking (RTLS): Seamless real-time location tracking and traceability of manually operated vehicles, such as forklifts, in the control system (Track & Trace).

  • Automated inventory and booking: Reduction of errors during putaway and retrieval, as well as minimization of manual scanning and search efforts.

  • Route and fleet optimization: Reduces empty runs and ensures optimal utilization of mixed fleets in the warehouse.

  • Docking at transfer stations: Fast and highly precise (< 1 cm) approach to racks, conveyor belts, and pallet stations, with transfer handled by robots

A forklift operating outdoors on a factory grounds.

Additional areas of application (outdoor & special applications)

  • Cross-environment operation (indoor & outdoor): Seamless transition from enclosed halls to uncovered outdoor areas, such as on factory grounds.

  • Navigation in confined and complex environments: Safe driving and precise maneuvering in tight spaces or in rapidly changing environments.

  • Dynamic obstacle avoidance: Reliable detection of and response to people, other vehicles, or unforeseen barriers in the path.

  • Navigation in low-feature areas: Stable positioning in environments with few landmarks, such as long corridors, ramps, or open spaces, optionally supported by odometry fusion.

 

 

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