LG CNS "Integrated Management of Different Robots on a Single Platform"

LG CNS announced on the 6th that it has developed a 'Robot Integrated Operation Platform' (hereinafter referred to as the Robot Platform) capable of controlling, managing, and operating different types of robots in a smart logistics center. This is to integrally manage and operate heterogeneous robots with different control systems.

By utilizing the Robot Platform, heterogeneous robots can be managed in an integrated manner on a single platform. It can link the control systems of various robots such as ▲ unmanned transport robots (AGV, Automated Guided Vehicle) that move goods along predetermined routes ▲ autonomous mobile robots (AMR) that navigate alternative routes when obstacles are detected ▲ cube-shaped logistics warehouse robots AutoStore capable of storing, stacking, and moving items ▲ and sorting robots specialized in product classification.

LG CNS employees monitoring heterogeneous robots, including the most frequently used picking robots in the logistics center
[Photo by LG CNS]

There is no need to issue commands to each type of robot individually. By simply instructing to move 50 out of 100 units of product A to zone C and the other 50 to zone B, different robots cooperate to move the goods in the shortest time. This is because the Robot Platform collects and analyzes data from all robots in real time and directs them to achieve optimal work performance. The movement paths and task processing results of the robots can also be monitored at a glance in real time. It also recommends the shortest or minimum time routes for autonomous AMRs, enhancing movement efficiency.

LG CNS designed the Robot Platform based on 'Open-RMF (Robot Middleware Framework),' an open-source robot control software widely used worldwide in the robot software (SW) field. AGVs, AutoStore, sorting robots, which are commonly used in logistics centers, have already been linked to the Robot Platform, and the number of connected robots will be gradually increased.

Recently, LG CNS partnered with Gmarket to begin technology verification related to the Robot Platform at the Dongtan logistics center. The two companies also plan to conduct technology verification to link 'RoboShuttle' and 'small picking robots' to the Robot Platform. The RoboShuttle moves multiple boxes containing products to a specific location, and the small picking robots deliver each box to workers. LG CNS plans to secure more advanced Robot Platform technology through technology verification with various domestic and international robot companies.

Lee Junho, head of LG CNS Smart Logistics Division, emphasized, "The core of the robot popularization era is an integrated platform that can efficiently manage various robots," adding, "Through the Robot Integrated Operation Platform, which combines digital transformation technologies such as cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and data, we will lead customers' business innovation."