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Götting KG shows how teleoperation can work safely with a forklift
When hazardous substances are recovered, it is essential that machines can be controlled remotely, i.e. teleoperatively. In this case, a crucial aspect of the teleoperation is that no person or object is harmed. Götting KG is currently working on a forklift that already meets these requirements in a pilot test.
Teleoperation
The teleoperation of the vehicle is carried out via video transmission, which supports the operator in transporting the hazardous substances safely and precisely with the forklift. During the pilot tests, the view often wanders to the real vehicle next to the control center during teleoperations. What needs to be considered and done if this option is not available is part of the research being carried out by the ROBDEKON competence center. Central questions are also: How can the senses and perception of a human operator be optimally addressed? Which assistance systems make it easier for operators to carry out their tasks? What can already be carried out automatically and autonomously? Concrete pilot tests are also part of the project.
Emergency stop in the event of a collision
The forklift modified by Götting KG has numerous retrofitted components such as sensors, laser scanners and safe control systems to make it teleoperable and allow tasks to be carried out automatically. The built-in safety electronics are worth mentioning in order to minimize risks when transporting loads. They meet the requirements of DIN EN ISO 13849 (safety of machine control systems) and DIN EN ISO 3691-4 (safety of driverless industrial trucks) and fulfill performance level d, which is the second-highest safety level.
The safety laser scanners used continuously scan the surroundings for people and obstacles and report detections to the built-in safety controller. Depending on the speed and steering angle of the vehicle, the control unit decides whether there is a risk of a collision. If necessary, it then triggers an emergency stop of the vehicle autonomously and independently of the teleoperation.
This technology could be experienced, for example at the third participation event of the ROBDEKON competence center, where visitors were able to control the forklift. The special feature: while the event took place in Bremen, the forklift was located in Hanover.
