Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation Launches 'Robotics Package' to Support Development and Operation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

October 4, 2024
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation

Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (“SSS”) will offer a Robotics Package software for autonomous mobile robots (Autonomous Mobile Robots, hereinafter “AMR”), enabling efficient development, introduction, and operation of AMRs—an addition to the lineup for AITRIOS™, the edge AI sensing platform from SSS.

The Robotics Package includes:

  • One-package navigation functions
  • Multi-unit control functions using Sony's proprietary algorithms, which are required for solution development for AMRs.

These features support easy adjustments to the number of units in use and their movement at the facility, reducing the typical investment in cost and time required to develop a solution.

The software can also be linked with external systems and can support application development. When new AMRs are introduced to improve automation and efficiency at a site with human workers, the Robotics Package can enable flexible solutions without major impact to existing systems, environments, or workflows.

The service is now available to development partners in Japan, released in late August 2024. The Robotics Package for AITRIOS will also be rolled out globally in collaboration with additional partners.

A schematic overview of the Robotics Package, which provides Robot Navigation System (RNS) and Fleet Management System (FMS) instead of requiring logistics facilities to build up their own basic functions for robots

Overview of the Robotics Package

Main Features of the Robotics Package for AITRIOS

Robot Navigation System (RNS)

This package provides the functions necessary for navigation and autonomous movement of robots. This simplifies map creation for the robot’s primary destination and simplifies operation adjustments, such as movement, route, and speed. RNS is also equipped with functions for advanced recognition and control to promote safe driving on narrow roads and when near people. It also supports the development and operation of safe systems via appropriate navigation supports, such as automatic detection and emergency stops in the event of an abnormality or obstruction.

Fleet Management System (FMS)

FMS supports central management of AMR movement and optimizes work efficiency. It automatically determines layout, route planning, and controls to prevent collisions, traffic jams, and impact of AMRs. Additionally, the FMS management targets can include employees at the site where robots are installed. In this way, it is possible to set the order, combination, priority, and number of robots according to the task and needs of the employee target, thereby supporting the overall efficiency of the site and allowing for safe collaboration between people and AMRs.

Expected Use Cases

The Robotics Package for AITRIOS™ can be used with a variety of robots for a wide range of industries and business types, including:

  • Picking support, shelving support, pallet transport in distribution warehouses
  • Inter-process transport in factories
  • Inspection and material transport at construction sites
  • Service robots in restaurants

Robotics Package Solution Example Provided by: LOGISTEED Solutions, Ltd.

The first application of this software is the Autonomous Mobile Collaborative Robot (AMR) for the logistics sector, realized by combining the Robotics Package, which supports efficient development and deployment of AMR, with application development provided by LOGISTEED Solutions, Ltd.