Magnetic Guide Sensor with Angle Measurement Enhances Mobile Robots Path Following
Unlike traditional magnetic line-following sensors that only detect position along a single dimension, the MTS160’s unique angle detection allows robots to assess the curvature of the track. This enables the robot to distinguish between minor trajectory adjustments needed on straight paths and more proactive steering for navigating curves.
Geneva, Switzerland, September 17, 2024 - Naviq (naviq.com) is introducing the MTS160, a state-of-the-art magnetic guide sensor for mobile robots, featuring patented angle measurement capabilities with 1-degree precision and position accuracy within 1mm. This unique dual functionality provides exceptional orientation and positioning precision, significantly improving the navigation capabilities of mobile robotic systems.
Another exclusive feature is the sensor's ability to detect point-source disk magnets along both the X and Y axes with millimeter accuracy. By installing magnets at precise locations, the robot can evaluate its position and orientation with exceptional accuracy—ideal for precise positioning at charging or docking stations.
The MTS160 also offers advanced marker detection, supporting magnetic tape markers with reversed polarity strategically placed along the track. These markers can signal areas requiring speed adjustments, upcoming forks and merges, and proximity to stop areas like charging or docking stations. Additionally, a unique algorithm for managing merges and forks ensures smooth direction changes at junctions, enhancing the robot's operational efficiency.
The MTS160 can function as the primary guidance sensor in cost-effective robots on fixed paths or serve as a supplementary component in robots with laser or vision navigation systems for precise, last-millimeter positioning.
The MTS160 features an M8 4-pin watertight connector for power and signal transmission and supports CAN bus and RS232 interfaces, ensuring compatibility with all PLC brands and microcomputers. Its compact design, measuring only 165 x 35 x 25mm, makes it easy to incorporate into any robot design.
The sensor is designed for user convenience, featuring RGB status LEDs for visual feedback on tape and marker detection. A web-based utility requires no installation—simply connect the sensor to a smartphone or PC via its USB port for easy configuration, testing, logging, and monitoring. The utility also supports automatic firmware updates. Additionally, an automatic self-test of internal circuitry ensures safe operation and reliable performance.
The MTS160 is available from stock for $495 (480 Euros) per unit, with substantial discounts for OEM orders. Visit the product page at https://naviq.com/product/mts160 to retrieve product documentation, 3d model, or to place an order.
About Magnetic Guidance
Magnetic guidance involves placing adhesive magnetic tape on the floor, which the robot senses and follows. It is among the most precise guidance techniques and is often combined with laser systems for high-accuracy positioning. Magnetic guidance is inherently safe—if a robot veers off track, it can easily detect and stop. It's also significantly less expensive than laser or vision navigation systems, by nearly an order of magnitude. The simplicity of this system is one of its greatest strengths, requiring minimal maintenance and being less susceptible to environmental changes such as lighting variations or obstacles that might disrupt other navigation systems. Modifying the path is as simple as moving the tape, a task requiring no special skills.
A comparison of leading robot navigation techniques can be found in this reference article. https://naviq.com/articles/comparing-magnetic-navigation-to-other-robot-guidance-techniques/
About Naviq
Naviq, born of Navigation IQ, was founded by industry experts in robotics and embedded computing to revolutionize the field of intelligent mobile robots by delivering smart, affordable, and reliable navigation systems.
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