Description: A guided robot is a type of robot designed to follow a predetermined path or instructions, using various technologies to navigate and perform specific tasks. These robots can be programmed to follow marked routes, either through sensors that detect lines on the ground, magnets, or through more advanced navigation systems like GPS. The ability of a guided robot to move autonomously or semi-autonomously makes it a valuable tool in multiple sectors. Its design can range from simple vehicles that follow a line to sophisticated logistics systems that transport goods in warehouses. Precision and efficiency are key characteristics of these robots, as they are designed to minimize errors and optimize operational time. Additionally, their implementation can reduce the need for human intervention in repetitive or dangerous tasks, thereby improving safety and productivity in industrial and commercial environments.
History: The concept of guided robots dates back to the early developments in robotics and automation in the 1950s. One of the first examples of a guided robot was ‘Unimate’, created by George Devol and later developed by General Motors in 1961 for manufacturing process automation. Over the decades, technology has evolved, incorporating more advanced sensors and control systems that allow for more precise navigation. In the 1980s and 1990s, guided robots began to be used in industrial settings, and their popularity grew with the advent of mobile robotics and artificial intelligence in the 21st century.
Uses: Guided robots are used in a variety of applications, including logistics and material transport in factories and warehouses, process automation on production lines, and in healthcare settings for the transport of supplies. They are also employed in agriculture for crop harvesting and in exploring challenging terrains. Their ability to follow predefined paths makes them ideal for repetitive and high-precision tasks.
Examples: An example of a guided robot is the ‘Kiva’, used by Amazon in its distribution centers to transport shelves of products to workers. Another example is the ‘Roomba’, a robotic vacuum cleaner that follows a predefined cleaning pattern in homes. In the industrial sector, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are common in factories for efficiently moving materials from one place to another.
