How to build a magnetic track guided mobile robot

6th May 2014

Roboteq, Inc.

Nat Bowers

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Whitepaper

Roboteq has released an application note and a demonstration video, showing how to build an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) which follows a track made of an adhesive magnetic tape affixed to the floor. The design uses just two Roboteq components: the MGS1600 magnetic guide sensor, and the MDC2230 programmable dual channel DC motor controller.

The 3 minute video shows the AGV construction followed by a view of the AGV going around the track. The 14 page application note shows the wiring diagram and the source code of the program that runs in the motor controller. Both are available below.

The MGS1600 sensor measures how far from the centre of the tape it is and provides that information to the motor controller which adjusts the steering so that the vehicle remains at the centre of the track. Magnetic markers positioned on the left and right side of the track give the AGV location information that is used to speed change and fork left/right decisions.

Compared to other guiding techniques, magnetic guides are totally passive and therefore easy to lay and modify. The tape creates an invisible field that is immune to dirt and unaffected by lighting conditions. The magnetic track can be totally hidden under any non-ferrous flooring material, such as linoleum, tiles or carpet.

Mobile Robots using Roboteqs MGS1600 are roaming at major car manufacturing plants, including Honda, Nissan, Mercedes, Seat and Toyota, and at many other companies and institutions.