How Embedded Vision is Helping Build Autonomous Robots of Tomorrow

Cameras are a vital part of autonomous mobile robots. They are used in different spaces such as warehouses, retail stores, hospitals, outdoors, and more. Get in-depth insights into the different camera-enabled functions of these robots, and learn how cameras become their 'eyes'.

Artificial intelligence, edge-based processing, and camera technology advancements have helped us make significant strides in developing completely Autonomous Mobile Robots (or AMRs) that are capable of efficiently executing human tasks. From autonomous navigation and material handling in warehouses, to executing various tasks in farms, robots can now undertake various jobs that were previously believed impossible or too complex for them.

In enabling this human-machine collaboration of robots in warehouses, retail stores, agricultural fields, classrooms, hospitals, and factories, among other places, embedded vision and camera systems are crucial. These vision systems, that are the eyes and ears of Autonomous Mobile Robots, are making lives easier in almost every industry, including agriculture, industrial, retail, education, and medicine.

How do embedded vision systems work in Autonomous Mobile Robots

Robotic systems that can complete their jobs independently with little to no human supervision are known as autonomous mobile robots. And in order to accomplish this, AMRs must see and comprehend their environment well, often making judgments in real time. Technology for embedded vision is useful in this situation.

The integration of camera modules into embedded electronics is what is meant by the term "embedded vision" (like a robot). The ability of cameras in AMRs to assist them in securely navigating around their intended environment is one of their primary (if not the only) tasks. This requires employing specialised camera types that have been painstakingly created and integrated to produce the proper photos and movies.

Autonomous mobile robots are now employed in a variety of locations and for related purposes, including:

Transforming warehouse operations

The shortage of labor has led to warehouse owners automating many tasks, and robots have played a key role in this by positively impacting material loading and unloading, goods transportation, picking and placing items, and more. Following are the different types of camera-enabled robots used in warehouses:

1. Goods-to-person robots: These autonomous vehicles use cameras to measure depth for the purpose of seamless navigation
2. Pick and place robots: They pick and place objects from and to warehouse shelves with precision. This is made possible by using cameras for locating an object's position and in some cases identifying them.
3. Automated forklifts: These are camera-enabled forklifts that use vision to facilitate loading, unloading, lifting, and transportation of heavy objects.
4. Inventory tracking robots and drones: These are used to monitor warehouse stock and inventory. Cameras are used in them for reading barcodes/RFIDs and object recognition.
5. Robotic arms: These can be small or large arms that are typically used for industrial purposes – material handling, machine tending, heavy lifting, etc. Here, cameras help to detect, identify, and locate the objects to be handled.

Automating last mile delivery

Robotic delivery services are used both indoors and outdoors; for example to bring food, parcels, and other things. They function similarly when utilised indoors in spaces including offices, hospitals, and restaurants.

Cameras are mostly employed in delivery robots to assess depth and keep an eye on the packages being delivered. Unlike the latter, where cameras are often mounted within the vehicle, the former have cameras that aim outward.

Making surveillance and security easier

Patrol robots are sophisticated surveillance tools that can watch over buildings and grounds around-the-clock in order to spot theft, intrusion, or any other illegal conduct. A multi-camera system that can produce a 360-degree view is often employed since they need to have a full picture of their surroundings. Because they occasionally need to move about in busy areas, the robots will also require cameras to ensure safe navigation.

Helping grow more and better food

Autonomous tractors, harvesting robots, automated weeders, and other similar machines are examples of autonomous agricultural vehicles and robots. They require cameras to automate crucial agricultural chores including plowing, sprinkling fertilizer, spotting pests and weeds, picking fruits and vegetables, harvesting crops, and monitoring NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), among others. Agricultural robots employ cameras for autonomous navigation much like other robots do.

Enhancing retail shopping experiences

In the age of physical and online shopping, AMRs are used to enhance both the customer and employee experience at retail establishments. Here are a few examples of what these AMRs do:

1. Shoppers can use concierge services to find the things or area they're looking for.
2. Curbside pickup: To complete online purchases, robots can transport goods to the retail location's curbside pickup area.
3. Shelf monitoring: This is done to keep an eye on the inventory on the shelves so that the retail employees may replace the shelves in a timely manner.
4. Staff members can assist customers from a distance using telepresence robots for remote communication and assistance. The use of these robots for employee communication is also possible.

Positively impacting the medical industry

Robotics is used in telehealth devices, robotic surgery, laboratory diagnostics, drug delivery (automated medical carts) in hospitals, and other areas in the medical industry. Robots make life easier for both patients and staff by enabling effective communication, timely care and treatment, and the execution of medical procedures.

Cameras assist these robots in performing a variety of tasks, including picking and placing objects, patient-practitioner communication, reading barcodes and text, object identification, and navigation.

Author:

Author: Maharajan Veerabahu, Co-Founder & Vice President of e-con Systems