INTRODUCTION

        The Meerkat is a fully autonomous stock counting system for use in large uniform warehouses. The system couples a ground-based robot and a self-supporting top unit, equipped with a pneumatic telescopic mast that carries an array of sensors and scanners. The Meerkat can determine the precise location of information it acquires, and compare this in real time to what is expected in the WMS. The Meerkat can be given multiple missions and will return to charge automatically between missions. Maximum single mission (charge to charge) time is 12hrs depending on the battery options chosen for the robot.

FEATURES

        • Fully autonomous robotic inventory scanning and data acquisition system
        • System is self contained and does not require navigation infrastructure to be installed in the warehouse
        • Simple and rugged steel base structure
        • Lightweight but robust sensor housings
        • Automatic docking and charging including low battery return to charge function
        • User defi ned traverse speeds to accommodate diffi cult/easy read barcodes or mission types
        • Mission stacking to allow multi missions with charging between missions
        • Data acquisition systems include 1D and 2D barcode reader s, narrow fi eld of view rfi d readers, photo and video recording, temperature sensors for 3D map of warehouse temperatures
        • Non-integration allows simpler “what is where” reporting
        • Robust castors for low energy traversing on warehouse fl oors
        • On-the-spot turning ability facilitates in-aisle maneuvering.

DIMENSIONS
        • Footprint : 1.22m length, 1.0m width
        • Height with mast retracted : 2.9m
        • Height with mast extended : 127m
        • Total mass including Robot : approx 250kg
        • Minimum aisle width : 3.2m

SPECIFICATIONS
Robot
        • As per robot supplier - MiR200
        • MiR 200 charging dock required
        • E-stop for emergency stop

Power Supply
        • 3x110AH 12V AGM batteries connected in parallel
        • 40 Amp resettable circuit breakers on each battery
        • Meerkat/MiR Charge dock adapter with 25 Amp charger fi tted to Meerkat docking station for auto charging between missions
        • E-stop button for total Meerkat power cut and mast drop

Pneumatics System and Mast Height Control
        • 12V compressor - 10bar max pressure
        • 4 Bar pressure switch to limit max pressure in system
        • 8 bar pressure relief valves
        • Automatic condensation drain system to prevent water build up in the air receiver with user servicable inline contaminant fi lter
        • Mast head mounted Laser Range fi nder with feedback loop to height control Solenoid valves
        • User adjustable hysteresis band for mast height control
        • Normally open solenoid valve for auto mast height dump in the event of total power loss

MiR - Meerkat - User Interface
        • Onboard i3 or i5 laptop with remote access
        • WiFi and 3g module
        • All sensors, pneumatic system and MiR robot are on a common network unique to each Meerkat
        • Data and instructions are transmitted within the Meerkat system over the WiFi network
        • Scan missions can be emailed to the onboard computer and result reports are emailed automatically to affected staff