Autonomous Mobile Robot Solutions

The Task: Develop an autonomous mobile robot that can transport forensic specimens inside secure containers in compliance with chain-of-custody protocols within in 40,000 square foot Quest Diagnostics Forensic Lab located in Tucker, Georgia.

The Solution: “BrAtLe”, the name selected by the members of the Quest Team for the TeleDroid 2 Transporter AMR, transports forensic specimens to lab-stations, and “calls” and “rides” an elevator between floors. The forensic specimens are carried inside two on-board containers, each of which is opened by an electrically powered articulating arm system when an access code is entered by a lab technician using the digital keypad.

• When BrAtLe was delivered, he created an on-board laser map of the environment in which he provides service, and the Quest Team determined the location of each of the “goals” to which BrAtLe is sent to pick-up or deliver forensic specimens. These goals are displayed on the on-board iPad “touch-screen” interface, and on remote iPads that are configured with the Robolytics TeleDroid 2 Controller App, which enables these iPads to “call” or “send” BrAtLe, via the secure wireless network within the facility.
• BrAtLe compiles on-board log-files of every move he makes, which include a time and date stamp of each trip; each pick-up and drop-off; and each security code entered by a lab technician.
• BrAtLe is powered by a navigation/drive platform, which enables him to provide service within the Quest Diagnostics Forensic Lab in Tucker, Georgia without disrupting employees or procedures; reliably navigates within designated areas and utilize alternate routes if necessary; and, circumvents moving and stationary obstacles within areas in which it operates. An on-board rechargeable lithium-ion phosphate battery system, with a 7-year life, provides 8 hours of runtime, and a 6:1 recharge rate from a charging dock that plugs into a standard 110V AC outlet.
• BrAtLe is configured to wirelessly activate automatic door openers, and call and ride an elevator between the 1st and 2nd floor of the lab.

The Task: Design a fully autonomous mobile robot capable of operating 24/7, 365-days/year within a 1.2 million square foot manufacturing facility, to transport production samples, in compliance with DEA protocols and regulations, in open and locked bins, from several production-lines to in-house quality assurance labs; and, locate batch-records within the facility, when and as required. “Sam” is the name selected by Novartis for this AMR.

• “Sam”, a fully autonomous mobile robot, is powered by a navigation and transport base which enables him to provide service throughout the Novartis facility without disrupting employees or procedures; reliably navigate within designated areas and utilize alternate routes if necessary; and, circumvent moving and stationary obstacles within areas in which he operates.
• When delivered, “Sam” created an on-board laser map of the routes that would enable him to travel to-and-from his “goals”. An on-board wireless interface enabled selected doorways to be opened to allow him with access to secure areas, and, an on-board RF-ID reader system enabled him to identify the location throughout the facility of RF-ID active-tags attached to production “batch records”.
• Access to “Sam’s” container that transports products containing “controlled” substances bin requires the “swipe” of an authorized proximity card to open. An on-board log-file is created of each “swipe” that consists of the name of the employee name associated with the badge swipe and a date/time stamp indicating when the container was opened. Additionally, an on-board 180° video camera is activated each time someone accesses the locked container, or, in the event someone tampers with “Sam”.
• Products that do not contain controlled substances are automatically loaded into “Sam” from an “articulating shelf” designed by the Robolytics team, into a drawer that extends from his torso when he arrives at the pick-up zone.
• “Sam” can follow a “programmed route”, or can be “called” to selected locations throughout the facility “on demand” via a Robolytics Wireless Call Box, and returns to his “docking station” to recharge his batteries between pick-ups and deliveries.

The Task: Develop an autonomous mobile robot to operate within a central lab at Children’s Mercy Hospital & Clinics capable of transporting specimens from the “accessioning” desk to six “stations” located within the lab.

• “Scooter”, which is the name selected for this robot by the lab staff, is fully autonomous, a navigation and transport base which enables him to provide service throughout the CMH lab without disrupting employees or procedures; reliably navigate within designated areas and utilize alternate routes if necessary; and, circumvent moving and stationary obstacles within areas in which they operate.
• “Scooter” is in operation 24/7 365 days/year, follows a programed route, and can also be “called” to a “station”, via a Robolytics wireless call box.
• “Scooter” was configured to compile on-board log-files that record the time and date of each pick-up and delivery, enabling the facility manager to determine the most efficient delivery routes in relationship to “processing loads”, and available “staff”.
• “Scooter” returns to his “docking station” to recharge his batteries between pick-ups and deliveries.