Navigation sensors are the eyes and ears of automated guided vehicles (AGVs). They not only help guide the robot to complete a task but also to keep the robot from causing harm to itself, equipment, or humans.
The family of navigation sensors is comprised of different types of sensors including 2D and 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), ultrasonic, camera, and line sensors (magnetic, inductive, and optic).
For example, line-following robotic applications use magnetic guide sensors to detect and report the position of a magnetic field along a horizontal axis. Magnetic tape is used to designate the track for an AGV. Sensors then use advanced signal processing to measure lateral distance from the center of the magnetic tape. Calculating both the horizontal and lateral distance and position, the AGV is then able to follow the track via the path of the magnetic tape.