Introducing Zoei, our latest Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) designed with features to enhance navigation, safety, and mobility. Zoei, an omnidirectional Automated Mobile Robot(AMR) made in Malaysia, is a type of robotic system designed to navigate and operate with a high degree of flexibility and precision in various environments. Unlike traditional robots that move in linear directions, ZOEI can move in any direction without needing to change its orientation. This is made possible through specialized Mecanum wheels, which allow for smooth and instantaneous directional changes, including forward, backward, sideways, and rotational movements.
Zoei is particularly valuable in dynamic and complex environments where space is constrained, and quick adjustments are necessary. Omnidirectional AMRs are used in settings like warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and logistics centers, where they perform tasks such as transporting goods, aligning components, and picking and placing items with high accuracy.
The key advantage of omnidirectional AMRs is their exceptional maneuverability. They can navigate tight spaces, avoid obstacles, and adapt to changing surroundings with ease. This flexibility enhances operational efficiency by reducing the time needed for complex maneuvers and enabling more precise handling of tasks. However, this increased capability comes with added complexity in their mechanical design and control systems, which can make them more expensive and challenging to maintain compared to conventional differential-driven robots.
Zoei also stands out with its unique combination of 360-degree safety Lidar coverage, making it a versatile and reliable solution for various industrial applications. Let’s take a deep dive into Zoei AMR’s features.
The difference between conventional AMR and omnidirectional AMR
To better understand the advantages of Zoei AMR (an omnidirectional AMR), let’s compare it with Zalpha AMR (a conventional differential AMR).
Table 1.0: Comparison between Zalpha AMR and Zoei AMR
| Type of AMR | Conventional Differential Driven | Omnidirectional Driven |
| Number of Motors | 2 motors | 4 motors |
| Type of Wheel | Standard wheel | Mecanum wheel |
| Size | Larger | More compact |
| Pathway Requirements | Bigger pathway | Smaller pathway |
| Task Completion Time | Longer time | Shorter time |
| Cost | Cheaper | Pricier |
| Safety | Standard | Better safety |
| Example Model | Zalpha AMR | Zoei AMR |
Table 1.0 shows the comparison of features between Zalpha AMR, which uses differential drive, and Zoei, which is an omnidirectional AMR. Most AMRs on the market, like Zalpha AMR, typically use two motors in a differential drive system. Differential-driven AMRs, such as Zalpha, often take longer to complete tasks and require larger pathways to navigate. Figure 1 shows the movement of a conventional differential driven AMR. The AMR moves forward when both motors rotate in the same direction. It turns slightly left or right when there is a speed difference between the two motors. The AMR will rotate 360 degrees when both motors rotate in opposite directions at the same speed.
On the other hand, Zoei Omnidirectional AMR‘s mobility is enhanced by 4x Mecanum wheels connected to 4x Servo motors, allowing omnidirectional movement. The speed differences among all four wheels determine Zoei’s movement direction, providing exceptional flexibility. Zoei is developed based on Mecanum wheel technology, a significant innovation in robotics. A Mecanum wheel design consists of a series of rubberized external rollers arranged at a 45-degree angle to the wheel plane. This unique design allows the wheel to move in any direction, including sideways, by varying the speed and direction of each wheel. By adjusting the speed and direction of each wheel, Zoei can move forward, backward, sideways, and diagonally, making it highly versatile and efficient in navigating tight spaces. Figure 2 shows the omnidirectional movement with 4 actuators attached to the Mecanum wheel. Omnidirectional drive AMRs like Zeoi, offer several advantages. They have better safety, can operate in smaller pathways, and complete tasks faster. However, this type of AMR is slightly more expensive due to its advanced capabilities and complex design. Figure 3 shows the Mecanum wheel of the Zoei AMR.
Zoei's 360 Lidar Safety Coverage
Zoei is also equipped with 360 Safety Lidar Coverage, providing comprehensive protection and precise navigation capabilities. This system utilizes multiple Lidar sensors strategically placed to cover the entire circumference of the AMR, ensuring that Zoei can detect obstacles and navigate safely in any direction.
The 360 Safety Lidar Coverage provides several key advantages:
- 360-Degree Protection: The Safety Lidar Sensor (PLd rated) ensures all-around protection, detecting obstacles and ensuring safe operation in dynamic environments. This ensures that Zoei can detect potential obstacles from any angle, preventing collisions and enhancing the safety of its operation. This is particularly crucial in dynamic environments with the presence of humans and machinery.
- High-Precision Navigation: The Lidar sensors provide high-resolution data, allowing Zoei to create accurate maps of its surroundings. This enables the AMR to navigate complex and cluttered environments with high precision, avoiding obstacles and selecting the most efficient paths.
Conclusion
Zoei AMR represents a significant advancement in autonomous mobile robots, where it can move freely in any direction while combining 360-degree safety Lidar coverage. This innovative technology developed by expertise from Malaysia ensures safe, accurate, and omnidirectional movement, making Zoei an ideal solution for a wide range of industrial applications. With Zoei, you can achieve higher efficiency, improved safety, and seamless integration into your operations.
Feel free to contact us at sales@dfautomation.com
Authors: Tan Ping Hua & Dr Yeong Che Fai
Editor: Shalani Krishnan
