Featured Case Study
Elevators
TUG®, Aethon’s Automated Robotic Delivery System (ARD), is utilized by hospitals to deliver supplies between various locations within a hospital. TUG’s computer has on-board maps with dedicated pathways and waypoints that it uses to travel between two locations. While in route to a destination via these pathways, TUG may need to utilize an elevator to travel between floors.
The Aethon system includes an elevator interface panel, mounted near the elevator controller cabinet, which allows TUG to monitor various signals from the elevator controller. This interface enables TUG to interact with the elevator much like a person (call the elevator, send to desired floor, enter, and exit), without the need for human interaction.
TUG uses wireless Ethernet or TUGcom to communicate to a PC mounted in the Aethon elevator controller panel, which is connected to the elevator controller. Inside the box, there are relays that close or open according to the requests received from TUG. The interface also informs TUG of the current elevator cabin location and direction of travel.
Elevator Selection and Operation
It is preferable to assign TUG to a service elevator where there is minimal public traffic. However, because TUG is relatively small, it can operate on most elevators (even public ones) if necessary. Aethon offers a variety of elevator interface protocols to suit the need of most elevators and facilities.
TUG can also use elevators with front and rear entrances. Your TUG installers will adjust the TUG's path based on the best mode for entry and exit.
The implementation of Aethon's elevator communication module will require the assistance of your elevator manufacturer or your elevator service company. Aethon will work closely with your elevator service company to ensure successful implementation and testing of your robot-ready elevator.
Please contact Aethon for additional information.