Featured Case Study
Technology
TUG®, Aethon's Automated Robotic Delivery System (ARD), can transport ''scheduled'' and ''on-demand'' deliveries of all bulk material, medications, and meals between all ancillary, support, and patient care units. TUG’s on-board computer contains the advanced TUG Operating System (TUGOS), which uses its detailed map of the hospital and sophisticated navigation software to plan routes, avoid obstacles, and constantly track its location.
TUG Specifications
- Size: 7-1/4''H x 20''W and weighs 55 lbs
- Body: The shell of the TUG is high-impact, abrasion-resistant ABS plastic
- Drive Train: Two independent 24VDC motors
- Wheels: The patent-pending wheels have an aluminum rim, with a non-skid, high-traction molded urethane tread
- Power: The TUG has a 24VDC power system, provided by four 12V sealed, and maintenance-free batteries
How does TUG know where it's going?
TUG’s onboard computer contains a programmed map of the building. TUG also has sensors that continuously track its location on the map. TUG does NOT require any structural changes to the building such as wires in the floor or sensors in the ceiling. Using its precision navigation design and software, TUG tracks its own movements from a known starting location.
How is the hospital map created?
TUGOS imports CAD drawings of the hospital building and automatically creates the on-board map, which is verified by the Aethon installation engineer. For hospitals without CAD drawings, the Aethon installation engineer can create the map by guiding TUG through the facility.
How does TUG avoid people and other obstacles?
TUG has a matrix of light whiskers™ to detect people and obstacles, consisting of sonar, infrared and laser technologies for outstanding sensing capabilities in all situations. If TUG sees an obstacle or person, it navigates around it and continues on its way.
How does TUG handle elevators and doors?
Aethon provides an elevator interface panel to work with all major elevator manufacturers. TUG communicates with the panel to call the elevator and selects the floor using a wireless signal. TUG also sends wireless signals to automatic door openers on hallway doors.
How do multiple TUGs interact?
TUGOS allows TUGs to function efficiently with each other, automatically avoiding bottlenecks and coordinating elevator use. TUGOS can determine whether TUGs should be allowed to pass one another depending on available hallway width and other considerations.
Will TUG’s communications affect other hospital systems?
No. TUG uses significantly higher radio frequencies than any other hospital systems, equipment or devices to avoid interference. Specifically, healthcare devices operate between the very low frequencies of 300 KHz and 30 MHz. TUG uses the much higher frequencies of 418 MHz and 2.4 GHz.
See a complete list of Aethon’s Frequently Asked Questions or for more information, please contact Aethon.