AnyFleet is a cloud-based steering platform that optimizes automated processes in connected industrial facilities. It is a key component of our holistic solution. AnyFleet acts as a fleet management software with live monitoring and enables the integration of third-party devices, such as AMRs or AGVs, via the standardized communication interface VDA 5050. AnyFleet’s traffic management detects and prevents collisions and is able to handle complex situations.

During the initial implementation phase (or pilot project), our deployment team will be tasked with defining the most efficient layout and mission design to automate the clients’ processes on site. At the same time, a dedicated person/team from the client will be trained and provided with documentation to be able to adapt the layout independently if needed. In addition, the client always has a contact person at idealworks who can help with any step. Possible adjustments with a third-party robot depend on the manufacturer. AnyFleet’s interface is very user friendly and intuitive.

As part of idealworks’ approach to enable the logistics of the future and ensure safe operations and optimized material flows, the cloud platform connects to various third-party devices. The VDA 5050 communication interface allows various AMRs and AGVs to be integrated. AnyFleet also connects IoT devices like doors, sensors, stations, and traffic lights, and computer systems like WMS and ERP.

AnyFleet’s reporting tool provides a variety of charts and reports, such as number of orders executed and canceled, order duration and equipment utilization, and allows for quick data retrieval through intuitive filtering options.

The Anyfleet map captures all relevant information related to the environment in which the devices are operating, i.e. pick-up and drop-off locations, parking and charging points, restricted areas and traffic rules, and much more. On the map, users can also monitor the devices in operation and track their position, status, and planned trajectory in real time.

AnyFleet allows the use of external APIs to send requests from a designated system, such as a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). For example, IT specialists can implement a script to trigger orders, and track their statuses through APIs to automatically record goods movement in the WMS.

The main difference between an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is that the AMR uses free navigation, while the AGV localizes itself through physical elements such as QR codes, magnets or rails.

The iw.hub, as an AMR, determines its position based on sensor data and environmental information. The iw.hub uses only the information from its built-in sensors. The implementation does not require any infrastructural changes, so that the iw.hub can perform its first mission within the first day.

The CE-certified AMR, iw.hub, is an integral part of the idealworks’ robotics ecosystem. Using SLAM technology, the iw.hub navigates autonomously in mixed traffic and highly complex environments. With its integrated sensors, the iw.hub is able to detect and safely avoid obstacles. The AMR covers a wide range of individual client needs, allowing it to serve a variety of use cases and respond flexibly to different requirements. With a speed of 8 km/h (5 mph), the iw.hub can autonomously pick up, transport, and deliver payloads of up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs).

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) is a technique used in autonomous vehicles to create a map of the environment and determine the vehicle’s position within the environment. This is done by integrating odometry, which estimates position and orientation based on wheels rotation, with sensor data gathered through cameras, Lidars, or radars.

SLAM allows a smooth navigation of autonomous systems in dynamic environments.

The camera detection of the load carrier increases the flexibility of the process and gives the operator the possibility to position the load carrier without pose restrictions. The interaction of the laser scanner and the camera enables an accurate and fast detection / pick-up process.

More than 600 iw.hubs are currently in operation across different BMW plants and various clients, e.g. Geiss, Zalando and Dräxlmeier.

In the event of a fire, the incident must be reported to AnyFleet (by activating the emergency mode in AnyFleet or via the emergency protocol API). The system will immediately activate the emergency protocol by sending all robots to a defined parking space or designated emergency points, or by stopping them (depending on the type of emergency protocol selected), ensuring that the devices do not block the routes and doors.

The pallet dock solution enables the transport of pallets. It consists of two associated parts: the pallet dock extension and the pallet dock. The pallet extension makes the iw.hub compatible with various pallets such as EPAL, IPAL and mesh pallets. This allows docking to roller conveyor stations or stationary pallet docks. Due to the height of the roller conveyor, different height versions of the pallet extension have been created. The stationary pallet dock allows the iw.hub mounted with pallet dock extension to pick up or drop off pallets.

In our efforts to provide the most flexible robotics ecosystem, we focus primarily on the requests of our new and existing clients.

At the same time, we are proactively reviewing all state-of-the-art technologies that can meaningfully enhance AnyFleet.

When establishing a partnership, all relevant business and technical aspects are evaluated to achieve a win-win situation for all parties. Ideally, the efforts are already focused on specific clients requirements to arrive at an industrialized solution via a standardized AnyFleet onboarding process.

Mobile robots from a wide range of manufacturers can generally be controlled by our fleet management system, AnyFleet. We work together to unlock the full potential of the partner mobile robot and ensure full controllability through AnyFleet. Like it is for the iw.hub, AnyFleet will complement the solution of the partner mobile robot with state-of-the-art traffic management and fleet optimization solutions.

Standardization is a fundamental principle of AnyFleet, to ensure a consesus on communication and information exchange. For example, the VDA 5050 communication interface is adopted for the integration of mobile robots. As a member of the VDA5050 working group, we represent the point of view of our partners and actively contribute to the further development of the communication interface.

After successfully onboarding a new partner solution, it becomes part of the idealworks’ robotics ecosystem. This means that the partner will be included in our services portfolio and offered to all our clients. Our modular approach allows us to activate the solution on demand, ensuring the shortest possible implementation times.