Mitsubishi Electric Corporation today said it has developed a new In-Building Mobilities technology for controlling mobile robots used for cleaning, security, delivery and guidance, as well as next-generation electric wheelchairs
The company developed the new technology using its proprietary three-dimensional map for buildings, which show the status of building facilities (e.g. elevators and access control systems), location of mobility devices and passable routes. By using this dynamic map inside their premises, building management can achieve seamless interaction between connected devices, such as robots. and building facilities, such as elevators and access control systems.
By supporting the safe, efficient movement of people and In-Building Mobilities in buildings, the new technology is expected to reduce the workloads of building-management personnel and help realise smart buildings where people and robots coexist safely.
Going forward, Mitsubishi Electric will continue developing the technology in collaboration with developers and mobility manufacturers, aiming to introduce a commercial service after March 2021.
The two key features of Mitsubishi Electric’s In-Building Mobilities technology are:
- It enables efficient movement: The company’s newly developed building dynamic map is used to control the movements of multiple In-Building Mobilities within a building. When the In-Building Mobilities use elevators or pass by each other in narrow aisles, the system automatically guides them along the best routes to avoid hitting other In-Building Mobilities, entering prohibited areas or boarding crowded elevators. When passing through an access-control gate, the system uses the map to prioritise the movements of people as well as to prevent collisions.
In addition, elevators and access-control systems are linked to coordinate the efficient and safe movement of In-Building Mobilities among people throughout the building, including when moving between floors.
The system also identifies the locations of In-Building Mobilities, including when they break down, by recording the operations of elevators as well as the In-Building Mobilities to visualise each unit's location on the building dynamic map, to further reduce building-management workloads.
- Animated lighting indicates movements of In-Building Mobilities for safety: Animated lighting is displayed on the floors in front of elevators to help people anticipate the movements of In-Building Mobilities that are getting on and off the elevators, allowing people to smoothly and safely enter and exit elevators together with the In-Building Mobility. Animated lighting is also displayed as In-Building Mobilities move in other areas, allowing people to pass safely even in narrow passageways or in poor visibility.
