Development of micromirror based 2D laser-scanning and barcoded-reflector technology for AGV navigation**

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AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are widely used in factory workshops, warehouses, distribution centers to replace humans due to their capability of carrying heavy load, high accuracy, high efficiency and low cost. Current popular AGV's navigation technology includes 1) LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging); and 2) Laser-scanning and reflector localization due to these two technologies' advantages of flexible path and easy installation. However they are extremely expensive, e.g., $1000~$3000/unit for an industrial product. This is the problem faced by the industrial partner, SEW-EURODRIVE Canada, i.e., looking for low cost and high performance (flexible path, easy to install, no manual interference) AGV navigation technology. ** This application proposes a solution to address the above problem, i.e., develop a micromirror based 2D laser-scanning and barcoded-reflector technology for AGV navigation, which is of low cost ($100~$200, versus $1000~$3000) and high performance (flexible path, easy to install, no manual interference). The new technology to be developed uses: 1) Micromirror to replace conventional motor scanner to significantly lower the cost; 2) 2D scanning to replace the 1D scanning; and 3) Barcoded-reflector to replace blank reflector to eliminate the need for manual initialization of AGV's location.**The proposed approach heavily relies on the micromirror technology. The PI (Dr. Siyuan He) has been working on micromirrors for >10 years at Ryerson with many successfully developed micromirrors. His lab is equipped with the advanced micromirror design, simulation, characterization and control software and hardware. SEW-EURODRIVE assembles AGVs with all components made within the company except for the navigation system. SEW-EURODRIVE Canada will actively participate in and help with the project to develop the new AGV navigation technology.********