Autonomous navigation

ANT provides simple and robust localisation without any inductive wires, magnets or triangulation reflectors thanks to the use of safety laser scanners. ANT is quickly installed and modified, can be easily integrated, is compatible with hybrid manual or automatic operation and offers a cost-effective solution, whether in single vehicles or large fleets.

2016 saw SITA’s fully autonomous, self-propelling baggage robot made its entrance at Geneva Airport. Leo was wholly designed and produced by BlueBotics in less than four months. Leo checks in, prints bag tags and transports up to two suitcases with a maximum weight of 32kg. Leo avoids obstacles and navigates perfectly in the high- traffic environment of an airport. Leo received positive reviews from airline passengers in a trial when he checked in their bags and demonstrated his excellent collaboration skills with people.

Also earning recognition was the autonomous professional cleaning machine for BlueBotics we redesigned the navigation system, developed a coverage algorithm and automated the cleaning components together with the Swiss company Cleanfix: The RA 660 Navi, an ANT driven scrubber dryer, won the Innovation Award 2016 at ISSA Interclean in Amsterdam.

The key factor was the laser-based navigation system and its efficiency in mapping rooms, putting in place virtual walls, and its simplicity of application. Shortly afterward, the RA 660 Navi received the 2016 European Cleaning and Hygiene award for "Ground- breaking technological innovation of the year". Cleanfix is a best-in-class solution for cleaning in industrial buildings, airports, hospitals, hotels and shopping centres.