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March 8, 2024

Exploring the Roboverse: Types of Robots and Their Uses

With continuous technological advancements, robotics is becoming more innovative and efficient. As a result, using robots is now indispensable to ensure ample productivity and market competitiveness for various industries. From Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) navigating around a warehouse to domestic robots assisting people with tiresome house chores, these machines come in different sizes and shapes. This blog post covers the numerous types of robots and their respective uses in detail.

The sources say that the world was home to a whopping 3.4 million robots in 2023. And that was just the number of industrial robots. Many other types are not even accounted for. The reason behind this surge is their efficiency and productivity, which, in turn, comes from their specificity and precision. Being specific means there are particular robotic categories, each performing an intended task. Knowing the various types of robots and their functions is thus crucial for optimising efficiency, driving innovation and making the most of this technology.

What Types of Robots are There?

There are several ways to divide robots. The following classification uses their application, degree of movement, and autonomy as the distinguishing factors.

5 Types of Robots Based on Application:

Robots serve many purposes, and categorising them based on their applications provides valuable insights into their functionality.

1. Industrial Robots

The manufacturing industry has been using robots for various processes, such as assembly, welding, and transportation, for many years. Recent advances in robotics have increased the usage of industrial robots as they ensure on-site safety and more productivity in businesses.

Examples of industrial robots: Robotics arms or articulated robots are great for expediting manufacturing processes like assembly and welding as they work fast and precisely from a fixed spot. Meanwhile, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are more suitable for transportation and warehousing due to their mobility and navigation capabilities.

An AMR working in a warehouse
Our arculees at work inside a warehouse

2. Medical Robots

As the name indicates, medical robots are advanced machines performing different functions in the healthcare industry. Reports suggest they help increase precision in surgeries, efficiently disinfect hospitals, and deliver medicines and meals. Furthermore, humanoid social robots offer support to rehabilitate patients after trauma or surgeries. For example, robots communicate and nudge patients to take their medication on time.

Examples of medical robots: Surgical arms help doctors with high-precision surgeries, automated disinfection systems take care of disease-infested areas to ensure the safety of hospital staff, patients, and visitors, and wearable exoskeletons increase accessibility for disabled people, allowing them to lift heavy objects and move more freely.

3. Domestic Robots

Domestic robots come in handy for floor cleaning, laundry, security/surveillance, and cooking. They are also in demand to provide companionship to older people and help them live more independently. For example, home robots not only take care of the household chores for older people but also greet them, talk to them, and even offer cognitive stimulation through games and other related activities.

Examples of domestic robots: Vacuum cleaner robots clean the floors, while some autonomous robots can wash and fold laundry. They take the burden of home management off your shoulders so you can prioritise other things, such as spending time with your friends and family without burning out.

4. Service Robots

This broad category comprises all kinds of robots assisting humans. The main idea behind service robots is to help humans with their work and ensure a better consumer experience. Thanks to their utility in performing various tasks, like valet parking, food delivery, and concierge services, there has been a tremendous increase in their demand since 2016.

Examples of service robots: Concierge robots at hotels deliver food and utilities to rooms, reserve tours and restaurants for guests, and retail service robots provide helpful information to customers.

5. Entertainment Robots

All robots accomplish a specific job, but then what about the ones that are only there for the sake of fun? Well, their purpose is to provide entertainment. So, they are programmed to do certain routines like dancing, singing, and speaking to please an audience. You will find them more commonly in amusement parks and haunted houses to offer thrill and adventure, in trade shows for promos and marketing purposes, and as toys for kids.

Examples of entertainment robots: Toy robots interact with the environment and the kids to increase their creativity and imagination, robotic dogs offer companionship, humanoid entertainer robots suitable for parties and events, and promotion robots.

2 Types of Robots Based on Mobility:

Another way to classify the robots is by their degree of movement:

1. Mobile Robots

Mobile robots are automatic machines that use sensors and other technology to identify and navigate their surroundings. These include Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). While AGVs move along a predetermined path, AMRs travel autonomously.

Examples of mobile robots: AMRs such as arculees and AGVs like Jungheinrich EKS 215a find extensive use in warehouse automation by ensuring safe and efficient transportation.

Jungheinrich Mobile Robots standing in a warehouse
Jungheinrich Mobile Robots for warehouse automation

2. Stationary or Fixed Robots

In contrast to mobile robots, stationary robots work from a fixed location. They are more suitable for high-precision tasks like welding, assembly, lifting, and insertion. The manufacturing industry heavily employs different types of fixed robots depending on the nature of the required job.

Examples of stationary robots: Companies often use Cartesian or Gantry robots for lifting and assembling components as they offer fast and efficient linear movement and Selective Compliant Assembly Robot Arms or SCARA for insertion tasks due to their flexible movement in the XY-axis but rigidity in the Z-axis.

TL;DR

Robotics has evolved to engineer innovative automatic and autonomous machines with numerous applications. These robots can be either mobile or stationary, depending on their degree of movement. Based on their application, they can also be domestic, industrial, medical, service, and entertainment robots. Many types overlap, and the choice of robot eventually depends on the task at hand.

The conclusion? Ongoing advancements in robotics promise a future where robot applications will continue to evolve and diversify, opening doors to more innovation and possibilities.

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February 26, 2024

5 Benefits of Autonomous Mobile Robots to Consider in 2024

While more commonly known for increasing productivity for different industries, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) also offer a myriad of other benefits. From cutting costs to ensuring flexibility, this blog post explores five different ways in which AMRs are serving a variety of fields.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) play a crucial role in automating intralogistics processes for different industries. By using advanced technologies, these machines navigate their path in a defined environment, autonomously performing tasks such as material handling and transportation. As such, AMRs offer a lot to the industrial world.

Following are the five major benefits of Autonomous Mobile Robots to consider for automating warehouses in 2024:

1. Increased Productivity:

AMRs are designed to work with precision and efficiency, significantly improving productivity. By leveraging advanced sensors and mapping technologies, they navigate accurately through spaces, reducing errors associated with manual handling or traditional automation. Moreover, these robots excel in repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex and value-added activities.

2. Lower Costs:

One of the most compelling benefits of AMRs is their potential to reduce overall industrial costs. For example, manual transportation processes are often prone to mistakes. These can incur error-related costs such as rework expenses and material wastage. However, because of their accuracy and precision, AMRs can ensure substantial savings by minimising these mistakes.

3. Ensured Safety:

To ensure a safe collaboration between humans and AMRs, a number of safety standards are in place. From testing to commissioning, these protocols are part of every step of the robots’ manufacturing journey. The arculee, for example, has received a statement of conformity from TÜV SÜD, a notified body that has inspected and approved them.

Furthermore, the integration of LiDAR sensors, laser scanners, and intelligent algorithms equips AMRs with the ability to detect obstacles, people, or other changes in their environment. This capability ensures a safe and collaborative workspace for warehouse employees. By avoiding collisions and adapting routes in real-time, AMRs mitigate the risk of accidents, enhancing overall workplace safety.

A closeup of an arculee, our Autonomous Mobile Robot
LiDAR sensors in one of our AMRs (arculee)

4. More Flexibility and Scalability:

Sticking to manual transportation in warehouses may cause labour shortages, especially during peak seasons. Meanwhile, traditional automation systems require significant time and resources to adapt to changes in tasks or layouts. In comparison, AMRs offer great flexibility and scalability. For example, they allow adaptable scheduling to meet fluctuating demand, while their ability to operate around the clock helps optimise workflow.

Furthermore, being easily programmable to adjust to different operational needs, AMRs warrant deployment across various new tasks and environments. This makes them an ideal solution for industries with dynamic or evolving operational requirements.

5. Improved Employee Satisfaction:

AMRs complement human workers by taking over mundane and repetitive tasks. As a result, the employees can focus on more engaging and creative aspects of their work, such as improving and innovating strategy and managing technology. This not only contributes to improved job satisfaction but also allows human workers to leverage their unique skills and problem-solving abilities. The human-robot collaboration creates a harmonious work environment, fostering a positive workplace culture.

AMRs - the Future

To sum it all up, Autonomous Mobile Robots have a lot to offer across industries. Their ability to increase productivity, lower costs, enhance safety, and boost employee satisfaction makes them indispensable, especially in modern warehouses. As technology continues to advance, AMRs, like the arculee, are expected to play an even more crucial role in shaping the future of automation. Therefore, embracing the benefits of AMRs is likely to offer businesses a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic global market.

Interested in implementing AMRs in your facility in 2024? We can help! Reach out to one of Jungheinrich sales managers right here.

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January 26, 2024

Robots Everywhere – And Why That’s a Good Thing

Is the fear of robots justified in humans? Let's debunk the myth that machines are out to get us. From surgical robots to Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in warehouses, they're here to help, not harm. This blog post tackles common concerns surrounding this technology, revealing the true nature of human-robot collaboration to embrace a future where the latest tech enhances, not threatens, our lives.

The fear of robots in humans, robophobia, is a real phenomenon. Mainstream media often depicts robots as the villains. Whether this fear is a cause or a result of this depiction is hard to determine, But we can conjecture that this aversion to robots stems from the fact that humans are afraid of change. Anything that appears different and stronger than us makes us anxious. What can trigger our insecurity more than an image of machines taking over our tasks - doing them faster and more efficiently? Of course, our conclusion is robots are out to get us!

But Are Robots Truly Evil?

Despite the fears that robots will gain consciousness and overthrow humans, robotics is a considerably successful field. From Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in logistics to surgical robots in the healthcare industry, humans manufacture and use robots to their benefit. While it is true that robots succeed at doing some specific tasks faster and more efficiently than humans, that doesn't translate into a threat to humanity. On the contrary, their efficiency means that robots are here to help us. Let's unpack this further.

The Dance of Progress

Resistance to innovation is not a new thing. One of the oldest examples would be the Swing Riots in the 1830s. The farmers introduced threshing machines, which put the labourers out of work. When they protested, landowners mishandled the situation through oppression. As a result, the labourers took to vandalising the machines.

Similarly, in the 19th century, weavers, known as Luddites, opposed the use of machines in textiles to secure their jobs and skills. Unfortunately, the government and upper class failed to support their cause – And, once again, the workers blamed the machines.

In the above cases, the authorities were in the wrong, not the instruments. Over time, people learned to coexist with and benefit from technology. Interestingly, in some cases, tech is not even a competition. For example, the Luddites were worried that new gadgets would make their jobs obsolete. And yet, the value of handwoven has only increased over the years. When used right, innovation is there to help us. After all, we control the machines and not the other way around.

Humans and mobile robots collaborating in a warehouse
Human-machine collaboration in a warehouse

General Concerns

Even though humans are the masterminds behind the robots, it is still difficult for people to accept them as friends. Therefore, there is a need to show human-robot collaboration in a positive light. In this regard, tackling the suspicions one by one, rationally and logically, might help to ease this robot-fuelled anxiety. Let's do this:

Concern 1 - Robots will literally take over the world

The first concern many people have about robots is that they will develop consciousness and turn against humanity. It is not just an idea propagated by apocalyptic fiction and movies but endorsed even by Elon Musk. The latter is one of the reasons people still take it seriously. However, Professor of Robot Psychology Martina Mara says robots will not replace humans. Besides, the claim has zero evidence other than hearsay.

Concern 2 - Robots and machines take away jobs

The second and most prominent concern is that using robots, such as in intralogistics automation, takes away the jobs of warehouse workers. However, studies say otherwise. Moreover, reports claim that such automation often makes employees happier and more skilful. This is because, usually, more repetitive and monotonous tasks are automated.

As for art and creative work, the consensus among the experts is that humans still have the upper hand. And that is unlikely to change either.

Concern 3 - Robots are not safe to work with

A lot of people assume that robots are not safe to work with. They think that machines often malfunction, leading to accidents. However, this is not the case. There are reports that exposure to robots decreases work-related injuries. There are always protocols and procedures in place, and the working environment is controlled. For example, robot manufacturing companies, like arculus, have standards ensuring safe human-robot collaboration.

This image was created with the assistance of DALL·E 3

Confronting the Fear of Robots

Unlike the irrational fear that robots will conquer humanity, workplace safety and job security are more understandable concerns. However, employers can address them through:

Dialogue - Talking to the employees and taking them into confidence when deciding to automate is always a good idea. If the workers have the surety of job security, they will be more optimistic about using technology.

Training - Reskilling and preparing the workforce for automation will also work. Devising training programs for the current employees and helping them keep up with the latest technology in the field can be quite helpful.

Promotion - Employers could incentivise employees to undergo the required training by offering promotions to those who effectively learn how to coordinate the machines. Not only would that make the workforce happier, but it would also save the cost of hiring new people. Finally, it can curb the general fear of machines in society.

The Takeaway: Human-Robot Collaboration

In short, regardless of what science fiction tells us, the future is not a battleground between humans and robots. Instead, it is a collaborative stage where technological progress can help humans thrive. So, are robots taking over the world? If, by taking over, you mean accomplishing a lot for humans and thus becoming mainstream, sure! But if you mean rising against us and destroying us? Not today, Terminator!

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January 24, 2024

Fact or Fiction: Do Mobile Robots Really Increase Productivity?

Mobile robots have revolutionised the intralogistics industry. Specifically, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have played a pivotal role in tackling major productivity blockers such as labour shortages and manual errors by automating warehouses. Moreover, automation is at the heart of making work easier for employees while delivering products faster to the customers. At least, this is what the champions of robotics would have us believe. But do these robots really increase productivity? Join us in this blog post to separate mobile robot facts from fiction.

Businesses are always looking to increase productivity through faster product manufacturing, transportation, and delivery. However, hurdles such as labour shortages, errors, high costs, and lack of time usually offset this goal. Technological advancements have been the most powerful tool for solving these problems. One such tech solution is using Mobile Robots for transportation to ensure better efficiency and productivity.

Mobile Robots: Types and Definition

Simply put, Mobile Robots are machines that can identify their environment and move automatically from one location to another using sensors and other technology. Mainly, they can be of two types:

  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): AGVs typically follow a predetermined path or route using physical guide paths such as magnetic tapes, wires, or markers on the floor. They rely on sensors to detect and follow these paths accurately.
  • AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots): AMRs are more flexible in terms of navigation. They can use advanced technologies such as Lidar sensors and real-time data to navigate autonomously. This makes them capable of adapting to dynamic environments.

Where AMRs are flexible, AGVs are preferred for more fixed-path transportation. Despite the difference, both types of Mobile Robots are used for transporting materials in several industries, including food, medicine, automotive, and intralogistics.

A warehouse with several boxes stacked on pallets in shelves
Warehousing is one of the most prominent use cases for Mobile Robots

Industry Assumptions

Common arguments favouring Mobile Robots state that they are fast and less prone to errors compared to manual logistics systems. These claims are rooted in the assumptions that they:

  • Avoid errors: They eliminate the risk of human errors that may result from fatigue and frustration in a manual warehouse system. For example, AMRs like our arculees can cut error-related costs through precise and accurate sensing and transportation.
  • Solve labour shortage: In the face of workforce challenges, AGVs and AMRs provide a solution by taking on repetitive and labour-intensive tasks. This not only addresses labour shortages but also allows human workers to focus on more strategic and value-added responsibilities.
  • Reduce costs: Implementing Mobile Robots in warehouse operations reduces labour expenses, as automation streamlines processes and reduces the need for a large workforce. Additionally, lower error rates and improved efficiency contribute to overall operational cost savings.
  • Increase safety: Mobile Robots can help the human workforce by handling tasks in potentially hazardous conditions. Moreover, they are always tested for safety before being used.

These points indicate that by automating monotonous, dangerous, and time-consuming tasks, Mobile Robots enhance overall warehouse productivity. Human workers can, thus, focus on more complex and strategic aspects of operations. This will lead to a more efficient and streamlined workflow. So far, so good, but does it really work?

One of our Autonomous Mobile Robots (arculee) at the arculus workshop
One of the arculees at the arculus workshop, ready to increase warehouse productivity

Fact-check

Scope of Mobile Robots in the Warehouse Automation Market

A recent Research and Market report has predicted that the Warehouse Automation Market will reach the $44 billion mark by 2028. This amounts to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% in 5 years. The same research has also indicated that AGVs/AMRs will be the key products in automation integration with a CAGR of approximately 30%. Finally, as reported, a hike in e-commerce is likely to make AMRs one of the most prominent players in the game.

The growth in the automation market is due to the results it offers for effective warehouse management. For example, SF DHL experienced a significant decrease in picking errors only after using 5 AMRs for 100 stores. Consequently, they decided to order 15 more AMRs for about 400 stores. This has led to a 90% reduction rate in errors and resulted in a 3x increase in productivity. Similarly, in 2022, Prodrive Technologies automated its warehouse with 14 arculees (our AMRs) for better productivity.

Moreover, according to an Interact Analysis report, warehouse automation investment will increase in 2024, possibly returning to double figures in 2025. This is in line with automation trends from previous years, where companies such as Walmart, Adidas, and Amazon invested extensively in warehouse automation projects.

Bottom Line

The current warehouse automation trends indicate that Mobile Robots are here to stay. Thanks to the role AGVs/AMRs are playing in reducing intralogistics errors, businesses are quite eager to integrate these technologies into warehousing processes. Moreover, more companies are using automation as a successful logistics solution to the problems of labour shortages and human errors. The conclusion is thus clear and straightforward — Mobile Robots are, and will likely remain, pivotal in reshaping the productivity landscape of logistics.

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November 30, 2023

Intralogistics 4.0: Demystifying The Potential of Advanced Warehouse Management

The fourth industrial revolution has transformed the vocabulary of all business processes, including Intralogistics. Terms like automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have also become the norm for the supply chain industry. Aptly called Intralogistics 4.0 (I 4.0), this reformation in warehousing is greatly connected with the technology of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Since arculus contributes to this development with its own AMRs (arculees) and software, it is only fitting to take the discussion to Carlo Fitz, our managing director. This blog post uses his expertise and insights to unravel the promises, myths, and challenges surrounding I 4.0.

Unpacking Intralogistics 4.0

A tale of four revolutions

The Industrial Revolution has seen different phases, each more remarkable in terms of enhancing efficiency, speed, and productivity. Thanks to steam power, the first wave came in the 18th century, literally taking production from human hands to machines. The 19th century saw the second industrial revolution (Industry 2.0). Advanced by electrification, this stage gave way to mass production within the industry. Meanwhile, the third step, the digital revolution, resulted from the development of silicon microprocessors in the late 1970s and paved the way for increased automation. Finally, we have the latest period of innovation, called Industry 4.0 - distinguished from the previous stages through such advancements as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics.

I 4.0: from industry to logistics

Like many other industries, logistics has flourished alongside each industrial advancement, thus benefitting from faster and more efficient solutions to the demands and challenges of warehousing. This follows for Industry 4.0, which has made Intralogistics 4.0 possible.

Intralogistics 4.0 (or I 4.0) uses the latest developments of Industry 4.0 to optimise and streamline internal warehouse processes. Representing a new era in industrial operations, I 4.0 aims to cater to the demands and challenges of the modern supply chain. In the words of Carlo Fitz, Managing Director at arculus, “Intralogistics 4.0 is about integrating advanced digital technologies and data-driven approaches within intralogistics.”

Understanding the terms and techs

Since Intralogistics 4.0 derives inspiration from the concept of Industry 4.0, it relies on some key components and technologies of the latter. These include:

  • Internet of Things (IoT): for ensuring connectivity of the devices in warehouse and logistics operations;
  • Big data analytics: for extracting valuable insights from large, complex datasets within the intralogistics system;
  • Automation and robotics: for improving speed, accuracy, and reliability of intralogistics processes;
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): for intelligence, adaptability, and automation of the internal warehousing procedures within warehouses and facilities;
  • Cloud computing: to provide scalable, flexible, and connected infrastructure for various applications and services within warehouse and internal logistics operations;
  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): to enhance visualisation, training, and human-machine interaction in warehouse and internal logistics operations.

Consequently, adding such state-of-the-art technologies to warehousing management can tap into the true potential of the intralogistics industry.

arculus employee using a laptop to incorporate the technologies of Intralogistics 4.0 into the warehouse processes
arculus incorporates I 4.0 to automate warehouse processes

The potential of Intralogistics 4.0

As mentioned before, Intralogistics 4.0 (I 4.0) can substantially impact the modern industrial landscape. Carlo emphasises these five advantages:

  • Enhanced efficiency: Through leveraging real-time data and automation, Intralogistics 4.0 optimises processes to reduce delays, errors, and manual intervention, resulting in increased operational efficiency and throughput;
  • Cost savings: Improved efficiency, reduced waste, and better resource utilisation contribute to significant cost savings over time;
  • Agility and adaptability: With data-driven insights, businesses can respond promptly to changes in demand, market trends, or disruptions in the supply chain;
  • Competitive advantage: Implementing I 4.0 solutions can differentiate companies by enabling faster order fulfilment, higher accuracy, and improved customer satisfaction;
  • Sustainability: Optimised operations result in less energy consumption and reduced environmental impact.

Since I 4.0 has so much to offer, it is only natural that companies working to shape the future of intralogistics should explore these new advancements. So it is no wonder that Jungheinrich, with its years of transforming the world of logistics, is at the forefront of the I 4.0 revolution.

Jungheinrich - the intralogistics pioneers

With its aim to provide efficient and sustainable intralogistics management, Jungheinrich explores and utilises the advancements of Industry 4.0. One way it does this, is through arculus. The aim is to offer effective assistance to customers on their supply chain journey. For that, arculus engineers, automates, and enhances the latest technologies to create warehousing solutions that are customised according to the logistical needs of our clients.

Offering efficient transportation of material in warehouses, arculees, our Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) lead the cycle of logistical procedures. Carlo describes these products of ingenious robotics as “flexible, dynamic, and adaptable.” However, this is just one way in which I 4.0 is implemented.

Carlo believes, “To play to the full potential of I 4.0, we need to transform every step of warehouse management.” Therefore, we also offer cutting-edge software that executes intelligent and real-time decisions on-site, which is the essence of I 4.0.

While these Intralogistics 4.0 innovations offer automation and speed, safety is crucial for long-term implementation. Besides, safety always comes first at arculus. Carlo explains, “We cooperate with the Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) regarding certification. This means we always use the highest standards regarding human safety while challenging how we develop and interpret norms and regulations.”

arculee, an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) by arculus is carrying goods at a warehouse
One of our arculees in action

Getting the facts straight

With a revolutionary field like Intralogistics 4.0 comes great misconceptions, often with greater consequences. Carlo points out two such misunderstandings concerning I 4.0:

I 4.0 is just about replacing people with machines: Many people, sometimes including solution providers, believe that implementing I 4.0 is just about having one machine do the work of many humans. Unfortunately, assumptions like these may mean underplaying the value of the human element in offering innovation and enhancement. The truth is, a more practical application would only be possible through human intervention. Otherwise, relying solely on machines could result in poorly designed automation, inaccurate expectations, and a lower ROI than I 4.0 could deliver.

I 4.0 is just about adopting the latest features: Even when industries pay attention to updating the systems, they may focus too much on bringing the latest tech on board, and sometimes ignore other equally important aspects of I 4.0 integration. For example, the reliability and cost-efficiency of the systems are likely to be compromised if advanced tech is the sole priority. Again, this can sacrifice efficiency and productivity, undermining the true potential of I 4.0. Therefore, while driving innovation through technology is essential, the right balance between the latest features and robustness must be considered for around-the-clock operations.

Wise advice

To avoid falling prey to myths and inefficient practices, companies adopting Intralogistics 4.0 and AMR technologies should be careful. To maximise the benefits and minimise potential challenges of I 4.0, Carlo recommends the following:

  • Conduct a thorough needs assessment: Understand your specific operational challenges, goals, and constraints. Identify areas where I 4.0 and AMR can make the most impact.
  • Start small and scale up: Begin with a pilot project in a controlled environment to test and refine the technology. Once proven successful, gradually expand its application.
  • Integrate with existing IT infrastructure: Awareness of the existing IT infrastructure is essential. The knowledge of the company’s capabilities and needs, helps create a better environment for a successful execution.
  • Rethink processes: Automation and digitalisation not only means replacing manual actions. Re-designing existing methods to leverage the full potential of I 4.0 and AMRs is also pivotal.
  • Listen to your workforce: The employees play a critical role in any successful implementation. Their concerns regarding automation and new technologies need to be anticipated and addressed. Effective management in this regard can help alleviate fears and resistance.
Jungheinrich employees assisting customers with the use of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Jungheinrich After-Sales works hard to help customers incorporate Intralogisitcs 4.0 technologies

The future and challenges of Intralogistics 4.0

Despite its popularity and usefulness, I 4.0 still has a lot of room for improvement and advancement. According to Carlo, “The future development of Intralogistics 4.0 will be towards consolidation and finding ways to implement it on a big scale - thus, making standardisation crucial.”He also further emphasises the importance of having a uniform standard in intralogistics and talks about its challenges:

“Remember how videotape formats such as VHS and Betamax had created a demand for standardisation in the past? So whenever there are different approaches to a solution in the market, regularisation will be needed. Unfortunately for intralogistics, this road to creating protocols is a lot more complex than just devising a format. Of course, VDA5050 is the first step towards standardising Intralogistics 4.0. However, there is still a long way to go before we have protocols necessary to scale the potential of I 4.0 and ensure reliability while reducing costs across industries.”

Concerning the possibility of entering into Intralogistics 5.0, Carlo expresses confidence in the current phase instead:

“I think we have only scratched the surface of the full potential and opportunities Intralogistics 4.0 has to offer. While we are currently making progress, there is still much industrialisation to come. With that, I believe the next phase is still a topic for the distant future.”

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November 27, 2023

This Is How We Improved The Technical Knowledge of New Joiners

Iuri Ferreira

Release Coordinator

Meet Iuri, our release coordinator in robotics and one of arculus's pioneering members. In this blog post, join Iuri as he shares firsthand the journey of leveraging his extensive product and company knowledge to enhance the onboarding experience for our new joiners. From introductory rendezvous to delving into Linux classes, discover how he transformed our members’ communications, expertise, and sense of belonging.

arculus has very diverse teams. Ranging from commercial and content, through web and cloud, to mechanics, electronics, service and production — to name a few. And, just like our teams, our solutions are very broad in spectrum. This makes onboarding new team members quite a challenge: the new employee needs to know about the product to be able to perform best at their new job, but the learning curve is very steep.

Screenshot of a videocall showing four people waving to the camera
Our summer 2023 new joiners

How it all started

Six years ago, when I joined the company, not much had been developed. Onboarding was quite straightforward: a colleague would sit with you, and in half a day, you would have all the knowledge needed. Since then, many more products, processes and technologies have been developed and introduced. Understanding them and the reasons why certain decisions were made is key for a new joiner to best contribute to the company.

Such an understanding can be passed on to new employees by allowing them to know the technologies and motivating them to ask questions. To achieve that, and in an attempt to give new joiners the best opportunity to grow into the company and deliver their best work, I came up with introductory training courses. Every few months, I will dedicate a week to preparing, organizing and presenting the courses. The goal is simple: ensure that everybody knows enough about our products to excel at their job.

The courses

Initially focused on our production team — responsible for producing the robots — the training courses guide the trainees, step by step, through the different levels of complexity of our AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). Starting with the basics in the course arculee rendezvous, the new joiners receive safety instructions, as well as information about robot operation and functionality. A robot is always available on-site so that newcomers can test it for themselves and apply their newly gained knowledge directly in practice.

After the participants know the basics about the arculee and feel confident controlling it — be it with our fleet manager or with the Robot UI — it is then time to take a step back from the products and learn some tech fundamentals. The follow-up lesson is called Linux basics. This is where we dip our toes into the world of Linux, how it works, and what it can do. The main goal of this module is to take the fear of Linux operating systems away from people who are used to working with Windows and Mac computers — an important step for the last and, for some, most important course: helping an arculee.

Controlling the robot is a crucial part of the trainings

helping an arculee teaches the employees everything they need to know to help an arculee in need. For instance: if a production team member needs to deliver a new robot, but the robot presents issues after the initial assembly, they may need to go deep into the robot software to find out the cause of problems. And that’s one example of when this course comes into play.

The training courses provide the students with enough material and content to understand the system, lose the fear of working with it, and communicate with their team members in a common language.

The impact

After conducting several sessions of the training courses, I’ve had a wide variety of participants. From content team members to embedded software developers and every technical knowledge level in between. I’ve taught people who are very familiar with the products and people from Jungheinrich, to whom the system was entirely new to start with. The broad spectrum of the courses, along with this wide range of participants, makes for very interesting results so far:

  1. New joiners are very happy to have their start in a company boosted forward by such training;
  2. The training courses end up giving the participants points of contact within the company and making them feel more welcome in the team;
  3. It gives people an opportunity to use the robot, to have hands-on experience on how it works, and, thanks to that, to feel more engaged towards the company;
  4. The slides serve as a basis, with links, commands and text that the participants can later use as references to look for information about the products;

Two slides on top of another. The one on the top left shows a list of robot information. The one on the bottom right shows a yellow arculee with the following parts highlighted by red arrows: load recognition, emergency stop, reset button, key switch.
Part of the slides used in the training “helping an arculee”
  1. Employees are provided with a good foundation to learn on their own — it turns out that learning advanced topics without knowledge of the basics is very difficult. Who would have thought?!
  2. And, strangely enough, the greatest impact by far: common language.

The common language

New employees don’t always come from a robotics background. And, even when they do, they are not necessarily used to the company jargon. Fleet manager, brain, drives, lift, controller, and many more are examples of words that mean very different things to different people. These differences make communication very challenging at times. Imagine if second-level customer support can’t understand what the third-level customer support says, even though they speak the same language! That’s a reality that, thanks to the training courses, no one has to endure anymore.

Achieving this common language between teams, departments, and companies has been instrumental in avoiding frustration in crucial communication, accelerating processes and improving cooperation in general. It helps new joiners understand what their team is saying from the beginning and ensures service technicians get fast, efficient phone support before important events.

On the left, the arms of a person in a black sweater can be seen. They are crossing their hands on a white desk. In front of them is a computer. On the screen there is a videocall, where one man with headphones can be seen.
A common language is essential for effective communication

What’s to come

As of now, the training courses are available to anyone who needs them and can be organized upon request. They are then constantly updated to fit the ever-changing software and robot, to include new products and to fit the needs and expectations of the participants – a developer has different needs than a service technician, and the courses must account for that. As long as there is a need, there will be training. And we’ll be teaching people what they need to know about our products. If you plan to join arculus — we are hiring, by the way! — then we will probably meet there someday!

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November 11, 2023

Innovation at arculus: Unravelling the Complexity of the arculee’s Wire Harness

In the world of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), one element plays a critical yet subtle part: the wire harness. Its behind-the-scenes role carefully manages the complex network of cables and wires that drive AMR functionality. To gain insight into the harness tailored specifically for our arculees, we sat down with Anis Cherni, Senior Harness Design Engineer at arculus. He explains the challenges and cross-team collaboration within the harness design process.

Wire Harness: the nervous system of an AMR

Anis Cherni, Senior Harness Design Engineer at arculus, describes the wire harness as "An integrated arrangement of cables, bound together with an insulated material." In the case of AMRs, this arrangement of cables serves as the "nervous system" bringing these robots to life. It allows power delivery and enables communication between electronic components.

Since the arculees need to operate round-the-clock, their nervous system must be exceptionally durable and reliable. The design and manufacturing process of an arculee's wire harness, therefore focuses on ensuring its robustness to defend against diverse environmental factors and mechanical stress points. In addition, ensuring safety and minimising signal interference are crucial aspects of the manufacturing process.

Close-up 3D visualisation of the arculee’s harness design. It includes 3 cables that emerge from the bottom of the screen.
Close-up 3D visualisation of the arculee's harness design

Building a robust wire harness

The arculee's wire harness is designed for durability. It incorporates fundamental components such as wires, terminals, connectors, seals, fasteners and protective sleeves. As Anis emphasises, "Every component within the arculee's harness must be able to endure environmental factors like temperature and humidity variations as well as mechanical stress, like vibrations."

Here is a closer look at each of the components:

Wires

Wires are conductive elements that carry electrical signals and power between different components. Strain relief or mechanical stress protection is vital to prevent wire damage at the connector level, thus maintaining integrity. Additionally, the optimal length and routing of wires are determined by many factors. For example, the assembly and disassembly of the harness.

Terminals

Terminals are a class of electrical connectors that "terminate" by crimping or soldering to wire or cable. They create secure and stable connections. There are a few factors to consider when selecting suitable terminals for our harness, for example:

  • The wire cross-section: The wire cross-section should match the size and capacity of the terminal for safe and effective electrical connections;
  • Conductivity, signal requirements, and minimising voltage drop: These determine the different coatings used (such as gold, tin or nickel), the mechanical fit and even the type of the conductor itself.
Four cable drums in different colours. From left to right: yellow, blue, dark grey, and pink.
Examples of wire used for an arculee's harness

Connectors link multiple wires, cables, or components that allow quick and secure connection and disconnection of electrical power and signals. Several factors must be considered when selecting connectors for our harness, such as the number of pins required and the cost, without compromising quality. The wire cross-section also plays a significant role in determining the appropriate connector. Anis, however, specifies, "We normally try to limit the diversity of connectors we use to simplify manufacturing and reduce costs."

Seals are components that protect against environmental factors such as dust and moisture. They are typically installed at entry and exit points where wires or cables pass through walls, enclosures, or connectors. Proper installation shields the harness from external contaminants.

Fasteners maintain the harness in position, orient its branches and provide fixture points within a robot. Anis mentions, "We develop a fastening strategy for the harness. With this, we can identify where each fastener should be located, which has an impact on the assembly and disassembly, the routing and even the energy dissipation throughout the harness."

Protective sleeves are insulation designed to shield and safeguard wires and cables from mechanical stress areas. For the protective sleeves on our harness, Anis explains:

“During our routing phase, we aim to avoid mechanical stress areas. But if we cannot do that, we design our harnesses with a focus on incorporating vibration-absorbent insulations, strain reliefs, and an optimal selection of components. We also consider the dynamic and static behaviour of our system to prevent any failures from occurring. We further account for temperature and its variations, humidity, corrosion and the flexibility of the harness itself. And with that, different measures can be taken.”

Safety assurance

Incorporating durable components within a harness is fundamental to maintaining the safety of the arculee and its users. To ensure full compliance with industry standards, arculus adheres to specific regulations relating to the manufacturing of harnesses, namely:

  • DIN EN 1175 VDE 0117:2020-10: Safety requirements for designing and manufacturing electrical equipment for industrial trucks
  • ANSI/CAN/UL 3100:2021: Safety standard for automated mobile platforms (AMPs) development in commercial and industrial environments
  • IEC 60757: Code for designation of colours in technical documentation and markings of electrical equipment and products

Minimising signal interference

In addition to well-designed and well-constructed components, the essence of a reliable harness lies in its ability to operate with minimal signal interference. This also entails a commitment to electromagnetic compliance, which is the capability of electrical systems to operate without causing disruptions to other devices or being exposed to interference from external electromagnetic sources.

Detailes look at the harness on an arculee. The highlight of the image is a big red emergency button connected to cables.
A detailed look at the harness on an arculee

"We use filters for signals, shielded communication cables and ferrites to keep up with our tight requirements regarding the safety and sanity of signals," explains Anis. "We also secure wire segregation, keeping high-voltage cables away from sensitive communication lines. And we keep communication lines away from rotating parts that generate an electromagnetic field.", he concludes.

Testing and validating procedures

Testing and validation are crucial in ensuring reliability and durability. There are two parts to these procedures:

  • Testing and validation of the manufactured harness: Here, the manufacturer looks into different checkpoints based on a quality control process. These validate whether the harness is durable and reliable enough to be installed in a robot. Some examples are pin-to-pin wire checks to verify the wiring connections and wire-pulling tests to assess the mechanical integrity and strength of a crimped wire and terminal connection.
  • Testing and validation of the harness installation: The second phase involves installing the harness in the robot as originally intended. During this step, stakeholders within the project, including team members and engineers, provide valuable feedback. Anis explains, "The input we gather may lead to a new revision of the harness, which is then deployed in the robot."

The challenges of wire harness design

Harness design comes with several challenges that engineers must tackle to ensure long-term success. At arculus, two major hurdles are currently at the forefront: scalability and adaptability.

Scalability

Effectively managing scalability hinges on comprehensive manufacturing documentation. Anis highlights this, stating, "arculus improves a lot in harness documentation, which currently allows us to outsource the harness manufacture to different suppliers without having any issues."

Adaptability

Effectively handling changes requires a well-defined change management process that oversees transitions from various parties involved in the assembly line, electronics team, or wire harness manufacturers. Anis underscores the current progress in adaptability while acknowledging, "Right now, we are in a good phase of adaptability when it comes to designing wire harnesses, but there is still room for improvement."

Cross-team collaborations

Collaboration stands at the core of wire harness design as it involves gathering significant insights from various disciplines. As Anis explains, the primary sources of information in this collaborative effort are the electrical and mechanical engineers. Electrical engineers contribute by preparing the schematics, which illustrate the connectivity of wires and signals. At the same time, mechanical engineers are responsible for providing the 3D environment.

To ensure optimal solutions that meet project requirements, frequent communication and feedback between teams is essential to devise the best solutions to specific needs. Occasionally, the firmware team can have an impact on the wire harness through specific requirements that are then incorporated into the design. All of this relies on well-established communication processes within the company or, as Anis puts it, "Communication is always key here."

Meetings are a big part of Anis' daily tasks, ensuring collaboration

Connecting it all

Anis' insights into the meticulous approach to wire harness design and manufacturing, attest to the durability and reliability of our harnesses. This robust "nervous system" is the cornerstone of the arculees' consistent performance as an intralogistics solution. Moreover, our well-structured manufacturing documentation and adept change management processes, help to minimise scalability and adaptability challenges.

The core value of cross-team collaboration further enhances the design process, integrating inputs from various disciplines. With the unwavering expertise and dedication of professionals like Anis and the entire arculus team, the arculee's wire harness continues to push the boundaries of innovation, promising a future where the arculees play an even more pivotal role in the evolving robotics landscape.

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November 2, 2023

The Python Advantage: Why It Remains a Top Choice in Tech

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. From recommendation algorithms to self-driving cars and robotics, the use case possibilities are endless. In our quest to explore the dynamic world of Python, we sat down with Darshan, a seasoned software developer at arculus. His insights shed light on the diverse applications the language serves within arculus and the reason behind its adoption. Join us as we delve into the world of programming through the lens of Darshan's experiences and expertise.

A first look into Python

Whether you're a seasoned developer or a passionate tech enthusiast, the odds are that Python has left its mark on your digital journey. The language, first released by Guido van Rossum in 1991, is present in a huge variety of modern applications. In fact, research conducted by code hosting platform GitHub in 2022, found Python to be the 2nd most used language for four years in a row, with four million developers using it in 2022.

But what actually is Python?

Python was born from van Rossum’s desire to write a clean and aesthetically pleasing language. And if you're wondering how a programming language can have these qualities, check out a simple piece of code in both Java and Python:

Python

print("Hello world.")

Vs.

Java

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main (String[]args) {
      System.out.println.("Hello world");
    }
}

The Python Software Foundation defines it as “an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language”. Let’s break down what each of these characteristics means:

  • Interpreted: developers don't need to compile the code before running it. Instead, the Python interpreter reads and executes the code line by line, making development more flexible.
  • Interactive: developers can interact with the Python interpreter in real time. This interactive mode, often used in the Python shell (REPL - Read-Eval-Print Loop), enables them to enter and execute code snippets one at a time. It's useful for testing small code snippets, experimenting, and learning.
  • Object-oriented: Python follows the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), where developers arrange code into objects or classes, each encapsulating data and behaviour. OOP promotes modularity, reusability, and a more organised approach to solving complex problems. Python allows the creation and use of objects, making it suitable for developing large and complex applications.

Why is Python so popular?

To better understand the popularity of Python and its crucial role in the arculus tech stack, we asked software engineer Darshan Patel to explain some of the language’s key advantages:

Rapid Prototyping

“Python is a dynamically typed language with ‘batteries included’. This means that it ships with a lot of functionality for performing various tasks, with less overhead compared to statically typed languages”, highlights Darshan. “It also offers the benefits of quickly implementing abstract ideas into something that is ‘almost tangible’, interactive and easily perceivable by everyone. These qualities allow us to quickly iterate over the product, gather feedback and reduce the time to market,” he continues.

Beginner-friendly

Darshan describes Python as having a “very gentle learning curve”. In other words, beginners and experienced programmers alike can easily learn the languages. “Its syntax is also very human friendly and close to natural language. This offers great readability and understandability concerning the existing code”, he explains.

Great community and learning tools

Along with Python’s numerous inbuilt functionalities comes a plethora of online/offline resources available to tackle all sorts of problems. “Resources like libraries, books, courses and tutorials are abundant and can be employed to tackle almost any problem. Furthermore, it has a lively, diverse and inclusive community of people who contribute to teaching, creating and maintaining the aforementioned resources. The community is also happy to help via channels like Forums, Q/A sites and even Discord Servers”, explains Darshan.

Expansive reach

“I would categorise Python as a ‘Jack of all trades’ among existing programming languages because it is ubiquitous within various technical/scientific fields”, defines Darshan. He explains that many disciplines and fields employ Python to solve all kinds of tasks. “This prevalence makes it one of the top choices, since problems from various fields can be tackled using the same language”, he concludes.

Darshan sitting in front of his computer. He is focused, loooking at two monitors.
Darshan focused on his work as a Python developer

Other Python benefits that stand out are:

  • It’s open source: Python’s source code is freely available for anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute.
  • It’s portable: Python code can run on different platforms without significant modifications, ensuring broad application compatibility.
  • It’s extendable: Developers can enhance Python's functionality by adding external libraries and modules.

Python’s libraries

Libraries are “cornerstones of modern software development. They offer pre-built solutions to a variety of problems which can be directly incorporated into the application, rather than writing the solution by hand”, defines Darshan. “Functions like file operations, network communication, Data Structures and Algorithms are commonly used over a wide range of applications. And libraries offer the means to implement such functions with minimal effort. This ultimately reduces the time required to implement the application”, he concludes.

Although most programming languages offer their sets of libraries, Python shines on two fronts here:

  1. Python’s standard (or internal) library comes with an extensive collection of built-in modules and packages that provide a wide range of functionality right out of the box. “On the other hand, languages like C or Rust are shipped with a more conservative amount of internal libraries. So, projects in these languages tend to rely on a high number of external libraries.”
  2. Python’s strong community also ensures that the language boasts one of the most extensive ecosystems of third-party libraries and packages among programming languages. They cover virtually every domain, from web development and data science to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing. Some prominent examples include:

  • Numpy: Offers high-performance data structures for performing computations.
  • Matplotlib: Offers means to visualise and analyse data.
  • Qt: Provides GUI (Graphical User Interface) frameworks
  • Networkx: Offers data structures and algorithms for network analysis.
A monitor showing a long snippet of Python code

The not-so-bright side of Python

Despite its many benefits, working with Python doesn’t come without challenges. For Darshan, there are three main disadvantages associated with programming in Python. Here is a closer look:

  1. Limited Performance: "One of the primary challenges of using Python is its limited performance. Being a dynamically typed language, the interpreter has to perform 'checks and balances' while the code is being executed," defines Darshan. These checks and balances lead to overhead during program execution, which can hinder performance.
  2. Concurrency and Multithreading: Darshan also highlights an issue related to modern computer hardware, which often includes multiple processing units known as cores. He explains, "Modern systems have several cores. Python, however, by default, doesn't efficiently use them due to certain technical constraints in how Python code runs." This means that Python programs may only fully benefit from the extra computing power available in multi-core computers if developers specifically design their programs to do so, which can be a complex task.
  3. Type Safety Challenges: Python's dynamic nature means it doesn't provide inherent type safety by default. “As a program becomes larger and more complex, ensuring the consistent use of the right data types across various parts of the application, can become increasingly challenging," points out Darshan. However, modern Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and code editors include type checkers that promptly alert developers to potential type-related issues. Additionally, external libraries are available that perform static type analysis, proactively checking the codebase for any type misuse.

Python in the real world

Despite its challenges, Python is still one of the most extensively used programming languages across multiple use cases. It serves as a go-to language for data analysis and machine learning, enabling professionals to conduct complex statistical analyses, create data visualisations, and build machine learning models. In web development, Python powers the backend infrastructure, managing data exchange, database interactions, and security. It excels in automation and scripting, allowing users to streamline repetitive tasks and processes efficiently. It also contributes significantly to software development, aiding in build control, bug tracking, and automated testing tasks.

Python as a part of arculus’ tech stack

Python has also been crucial to the arculus tech stack since the company started developing its fleet management software. Darshan explains the reason:

"The programming language selection is mainly done by considering the problem at hand and opting for the best-suited language. For applications that require high performance and efficiency, languages like C, C++, and Rust might be good candidates. Suppose the application focuses on scientific domain problems like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. In that case, Python is a good candidate due to its popularity and the vast amount of existing libraries and applications for said domains."

As the arculus solution portfolio involves a mix of domains, use cases, and scopes, our tech stack is also a complex blend of different languages. “Factors like performance, efficiency, problem domain, time frame, and deployment platform played a vital role in crafting our tech stack,” clarifies Darshan.

So, where exactly do we use Python?

Python and Rust are the two main forces behind our fleet manager. “We use Rust for its safety, efficiency and performance, so that we can coordinate a large number of robots safely and efficiently. At the same time, Python helps us build tools, algorithms and extensions quickly and with ease. It also helps us perform data analysis on our systems for identifying bottlenecks and evaluating performance and behaviour characteristics to serve our customers better”, reveals Darshan.

A close up of a monitor showing a close up of a code written in Python.
A code snippet in Python from the arculus fleet management system

Further languages in the arculus tech stack include C++, Javascript and Typescript. “The software running on the arculees, which allows them to efficiently plan paths within a given environment, is primarily written in C++, whereas Javascript and Typescript are used to build our end-user interfaces, which allow the users to interact with the robots and fleet management system,” he concludes.

TLDR.py

In summary, Python is a versatile and widely embraced programming language. It is exemplified by its rapid prototyping, user-friendly nature, robust community, and diverse applications. However, it comes with inherent limitations, including performance constraints and type safety challenges. Darshan Patel's insights from his experience at arculus, highlight Python's crucial role in the company's tech stack. Despite its challenges, Python remains a powerful tool in the arsenal of developers worldwide, shaping the landscape of software development across various domains.

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October 11, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Rust at arculus (And Beyond)

Even non-techies have probably heard of popular programming languages like Java, C++ or Python. However, a new language has been stirring the programming world in recent years. And it might well be on its way to becoming as mainstream as its counterparts: Rust. In this blog post, software developer Andy Brinkmeyer sheds some light on Rust’s benefits, technicalities, and recent implementation in the arculus tech stack.

A Brief Story of Rust

A programmer gets frustrated with a piece of tech. They get home, sit on their computer and try to solve it. This is the origin and story of several software projects and it’s no different with Rust.

Night scene showing a developer sitting in front of a laptop. Only his torso is visible. He is wearing a dark blue shirt and sitting to the right of the image. His hands are illuminated by the light coming from the laptop.
Several software projects begin with developers trying to solve personal frustrations

In 2006, Graydon Hoare, a Mozilla programmer, was forced to take the stairs to his 21st-floor Vancouver apartment after the elevator software crashed. He knew that such crashes are often caused by software written in C++ or C, which make it easier to introduce memory bugs. And so when Hoare finally got to his apartment, he opened his laptop and began designing a new programming language that would make it possible to write efficient code with improved memory safety. And the story of Rust began.

Seventeen years later, Rust has become one of the most popular languages on the planet. There are 2.8 million Rust developers around the globe, and the programming question-answer website Stack Overflow elected Rust as the most loved language for seven years in a row. Its economic relevance also can’t be questioned. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Discord, and Dropbox have openly talked about how Rust helped improve their system’s performance. And arculus is proud to join the group.

fn main() {
    println!("Hello, world!");
}

Example of "Hello, world!" code in Rust

What makes Rust so popular?

The short answer is that Rust addresses common pain points present in other languages while minimising any downsides. For that, it counts on a few main advantages, namely:

  • memory safety
  • security
  • strong community
  • faster development

Here is a closer look at what each of them means:

Memory Safety

This feature refers to Rust’s ability to pre-emptively avoid memory-related errors. They often lead to crashes, vulnerabilities, and unstable software behaviour. Unlike C and C++, where manual memory management can cause issues like buffer overflows and null pointer dereferences, Rust relies on three key concepts to ensure memory safety:

  1. Ownership: Each value has a single owner, making it explicit who is responsible for managing the underlying memory.
  2. Borrowing: Values can be accessed through references without owning them, which is called borrowing. Strict rules are applied here to ensure memory safety.
  3. Lifetimes: Ensure that references are not used after the data they point to has been deallocated, preventing references to invalid memory.

As arculus developer Andy Brinkmeyer explains, the Rust compiler enforces these rules at compile time. “This prevents most memory-related bugs, which is great”, he explains. The result is more robust and safe software. That's because in other languages, programmers need to manually ensure compliance with memory safety rules.

Security

Due to memory safety issues being responsible for a major portion of reported vulnerabilities in systems, Rust's ability to eliminate these issues significantly increases cyber security.

Strong community

Rust takes pride in having a “community-driven development process where most decisions are made through open discussion and consensus”. The “Rustaceans”, as the active members of the community like to call themselves, constantly create new documentation, resources and even libraries. This makes the experience of Rust fully collaborative and interactive for developers of all levels.

A photo of four developers at the arculus office. They are all talking to each other while working, and appear happy.
The Rust community is also growing inside arculus

Faster development

Rust enables faster programming through its combination of memory-safety and expressive syntax. By catching many common coding errors at compile time, the language reduces debugging time, ultimately accelerating the development cycle.

Rust core features

Andy explains that Rust shares many similarities with C++ since both are "statically typed, compiled languages without a garbage collector". Nonetheless, Rust's popularity comes from some of its unique features. Here is an overview of some of the most prominent ones:

Zero-cost abstractions

As Andy explains, “Abstracting away complicated logic and behaviour is one of the ways we make our software usable. Rust has this guarantee that abstracting away all this complicated logic for data types, does not incur extra cost on your compiled program”. In other words, zero-cost abstractions ensure that using convenient and expressive programming constructs, such as iterators, does not result in slower or less efficient code.

Concurrency and parallelism

Managing tasks simultaneously (concurrency) and utilising multiple processors to speed these tasks up (parallelism) are crucial aspects of modern programming. Still, handling them can be complicated and error-prone. Rust, however, makes both processes easier and more manageable. It does this by ensuring that when multiple tasks work with the same data, they can't inadvertently interfere with each other.

Andy explains that Rust makes working with concurrent and parallel code safer, through its ownership and type system. “Since a value can only have a single owner, it is impossible for two threads to own it at the same time. The type system complements this by marking if types are safe to share between threads, through borrowing and safe to send between threads by transferring ownership”, he elaborates. In other words, Rust prevents many concurrency and parallelism errors at compile time, using the same mechanisms it uses for memory safety.

use std::thread;
fn main() {
let v = vec![1, 2, 3];
let handle = thread::spawn(move || {
println!("Here's a vector: {:?}", v);
});
handle.join().unwrap();
}

Code snippet showcasing how to move ownership into a new thread. Source: Rust book

Pattern matching

Pattern matching is a technique used to compare data structures against predefined templates and execute specific code based on the matched pattern. It simplifies decision-making by allowing developers to handle different conditions in a structured and expressive manner. Patterns can be as simple as matching specific values. Or as complex as matching the structure of data types like enums or structs.

What sets Rust apart in this regard is its commitment to code safety. Its strong type system ensures that pattern matching covers all possible cases and reduces the risk of runtime errors. Rust’s concise and expressive syntax makes code more readable. It also provides features like pattern destructuring, automatic variable referencing, and customisation options.

Cargo

Cargo is Rust’s build system and package manager. What makes it a notable aspect of Rust is its capacity to handle many tasks. Some examples are building code, downloading the libraries on which the code is dependent, and building such libraries – also called dependencies.

“With Cargo, a Rust project centres around a single configuration file, where you define the properties like name, version, and dependencies. Cargo then handles the essential tasks, like setting up the project, compiling code, and linking build artefacts. In practice, using Cargo often boils down to running a single command like 'cargo run,' which simplifies the entire development process."

Andy Brinkmeyer
Two developers sitting next to each other at the arculus offce. They are both looking at their computer screens.
Andy (in the background) working on development tasks at our Munich office

Rust at arculus

The Rust programming language has proven to be a highly versatile tool, with widespread applications across various fields. The most prominent ones include Operating Systems (OS), Kernel programming, embedded systems, and cloud infrastructure. And while its numerous advantages make the number of potential Rust applications grow steadily, there is one field in which it still falls short: robotics.

“In robotics, tasks such as perception, path planning, and localisation involve complex algorithms. These algorithms have evolved over a long time through collaboration between academia and industry, and they are typically implemented in libraries”, clarifies Andy. “Many of these essential libraries are intertwined with C++, creating a dependency ecosystem that reinforces its use. Transitioning from this well-established field, where everything you need is in a single language, to Rust can be a significant step. While Rust is gaining traction in robotics, C++ still holds the number one position in this field for now", he concludes.

So why do we use Rust at arculus?

While using Rust in our robots is challenging right now, the language is the perfect alternative component of the tech stack that makes up our fleet software solution. “We need something with high performance that can manage multiple robots simultaneously. But we also need reliability and safety because the customers depend on us not crashing and not having errors in the code. They rely on us for the system to run indefinitely without problems. And that's why we are slowly implementing Rust”, highlights Andy.

Managing the transition

For Andy, what defines the approach to the transition process at arculus is “learning by doing”:

“Of course, people had time to prepare and study the (Rust) documentation. But we at arculus are really hands-on, in quite a literal sense – hands on the project, hands on the work. And in my opinion, contributing very early in the adapting phase to the codebase was the best way to get people up to speed. This approach combined with regular feedback by experienced Rust developers allowed us to quickly adopt it as a language and get everyone all set.”

Andy Brinkmeyer
Two engineers looking at the same computer screen. Behind them, a few arculees can be seen.
arculus developers like Andy (right) and Dennis (left), take pride in their hands-on approach

Learning resources

With such an engaged and supportive community, Rust is arguably one of the most well-documented programming languages – and that includes learning resources. For Andy, the most useful ones can be found on the official Rust project website. “The official Rust book was for me, the perfect mix between theory and real-world examples. But I also learned a lot through the other resources on the website, like Rust by example”, he concludes.

exit()

To sum up, Rust has emerged as a robust and adaptable programming language that is gaining recognition across various industries. Its origins trace back to addressing the need for safer and more efficient software, a mission it continues to excel at. From memory safety to security, a reliable community, and enhanced development speed, the language offers a compelling package for software developers.

As the arculus team integrates Rust into the tech stack, it leverages the language's exceptional qualities to ensure high performance, reliability, and safety in our software solutions. While the transition is ongoing, we are committed to the "learn by doing" approach, harnessing the wealth of resources the Rust community provides. Rust's journey at arculus reflects its evolution as a language that meets and exceeds modern software development's demands.

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September 18, 2023

The arculee’s RCU®: Unveiling the Heart of Our Autonomous Robot

At the core of every robot are electronics components that drive its functionality. In the case of the arculee, the most significant of these elements is the RCU® - one central Robot Control Unit. This blog post delves into the electronic heart of our robot, providing insights from engineer Tobias Schwering. We’ll uncover the RCU®’s integral role in coordinating and enhancing the robot's performance, while discussing the challenges involved in its in-house development and production.

A first look inside the RCU®

The RCU®, short for Robot Control Unit, is the central electronic control module of our Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR), the arculee. It integrates most of the robot’s functions onto a single self-developed Printed Circuit Board (PCB). arculus’ Senior Electronics Developer, Tobias Schwering, explains that this unit can roughly be divided into five parts:

  • Power distribution system: connects two 48V batteries to power consumers (such as motors and lifts), generates different voltages (e.g., 24V, 12V, 5V) for various functions, and manages the robot’s on and off procedures;
  • Central Computing System: runs the robot’s higher-level software (or "brain") on an embedded Linux module (Nvidia TX2) and provides communication interfaces such as Ethernet and USB ports, as well as a certified WiFi bridge and a 5G mobile modem for connecting to the customer’s network;
  • Three Inverter Modules: self-designed inverters capable of delivering 70A of current, enabling the arculee to perform heavy lifting tasks.

Taking it to heart

In many ways, the RCU® serves as a central hub for the arculee, almost as a “heart”. Firstly, it is the core power distributor within the robot, supplying electricity to all its subsystems. Additionally, it serves as a communication hub, collecting sensor information and processing it within the embedded Linux module. This data is then transmitted to the fleet management software, enabling the generation of precise instructions for the robots.

Keeping it in the family

As with most of the arculee’s inner parts, the RCU® was entirely developed and designed in-house. But Tobias explains that this wasn’t the original idea: “We were planning to have an external company working on it. But we soon realised that the complexity of the system was too high. It was also too entwined with the rest of the robot for such a combination to work properly. So, we brought the design in-house and have never regretted it.”

Tobias working at a desk in front of a window. There are two computers on the desk, one laptop and one monitor. To his left is the RCU®.
Tobias Schwering working on the RCU®

Full control over the RCU®'s design allows the team to directly tailor the arculee's electronics to different customer needs and easily implement new functionalities. The tailored inverter hardware and software design also vastly improved the performance of the robot’s driving system, as it allowed for increased power.

“To develop the RCU® internally, we need a deep understanding of all its subsystems, which enables us to fully optimise all of them to our use cases. And the learning never stops, so each version of the RCU® has substantial improvements over the last one and enables additional use cases.”

Tobias Schwering, Senior Electronics Developer

The RCU® development process

Developing exceptional robots requires continuous refinement. With the RCU®, it’s no different. “Many times we realised that the assumptions we made in advance and that drove the design, didn't fully meet reality. And new requirements appeared during the development process. So, we constantly needed to adapt and adjust the design accordingly.”, explains Tobias.

In other words, with each iteration cycle, the team draws from accumulated knowledge to make necessary adjustments. This involves streamlining the design by removing unused interfaces and systems, creating room for innovative functionalities that enhance the RCU. Along these lines, established performance metrics were also constantly reassessed and refined, ensuring that tasks were clear and well prioritised within the roadmap. Furthermore, to enable retrofitting, the team aims for backwards compatibility of the RCU® where feasible.

Close-up shot of electronic components and circuitry that compose the RCU® . In the center of the image, there is a circuit board with the word "arculus" displayed prominently. Surrounding the circuit board are multiple wires of different colors, including red, green, and blue wires.
The RCU® is constantly going through iterations that involve countless tests and measurements

One of many challenges

The continuous iteration approach allowed the team to overcome a number of obstacles that appeared during the development of the RCU®. For Tobias, “One of the greatest challenges was integrating both power electronics that favour wide and thick copper structures on the PCB and high-density logic systems with high-speed communication – that favour the exact opposite – on the same PCB.”

While having both on the circuit board is possible, it requires special fabrication technology. And that’s what the team tried to avoid, as it would lead to greater complexity, longer lead times, and higher costs. The final solution for the issue involved a mix of creativity, electronics, and craftsmanship, and you can read the full story told by Tobias himself here.

What’s next for the RCU®?

As previously mentioned, robotics developments at arculus are characterised by constant iterations. Therefore, as the RCU® has reached a consistent state, its future developments are constant updates and modernisations. According to Tobias, the next big step planned is updating the Linux module. “As it’s so deeply integrated into our system, we shied away from updating it for a long time. But we have now enhanced most parts of our robot. Thus, we are now at a point where we can really profit from an improved central computing system”, he explains.

Close-up vision of the version 2.2 of our RCU®

The plan is to switch to an enhanced SOC (system on chip) of the latest generation on Nvidia’s Linux modules. And that promises a significant increase in performance and efficiency. “At the same time, we will also integrate a bunch of other smaller improvements”, says Tobias. But readers will have to remain curious about these for now.

The true impact of it all (TL;DR)

In conclusion, the RCU® serves as the beating heart of the arculee, centralising power distribution and orchestrating seamless communication among various subsystems. Its in-house development empowers arculus to tailor this control unit precisely to meet different customer needs, resulting in enhanced robot performance and adaptability.

The continuous iteration approach to development, demonstrates arculus' commitment to innovation. With the RCU® at the core, we continue our journey towards pushing the boundaries of robotics, aiming to integrate the latest generation of Linux modules to further elevate the arculee's capabilities. As the heartbeat of arculus' robotics solutions, the RCU® paves the way for a future of excellence and advancements in autonomous mobile robotics.

“Learning is the key to good engineering. Everyone makes mistakes while designing today’s complex systems, as many challenges are not obvious until someone has faced them. But it is important to grow with these and do it better next time.”

Tobias Schwering, Senior Electronics Developer
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