Chapter 1: Introduction The Fleet Operations Workspace (FLOW) is Omron's solution for setting up, integrating and managing an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) fleet within a factory environment. FLOW con- sists of two main elements: FLOW Core and FLOW iQ. FLOW Core provides the software tools to connect the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) fleet, the factory's manufacturing control solu- tion, establish maps, define operational rules, and ensure safe, consistent operation on the fact- ory floor. FLOW iQ is a data capture, analytics and reporting software package that helps factory engineers measure, evaluate and constantly improve their AMR fleet performance in the factory.
This user's guide covers the basic procedures for installing and using the FLOW Core software to set up and manage your AMR fleet. Some advanced operating procedures are discussed in later chapters of the guide. 1.1 Fleet Operations Workspace Core Overview The Fleet Operations Workspace (FLOW) Core is a suite of mobile-robotics software applic- ations for programming and operating a fleet of AMRs within a factory environment. The FLOW Core software fully integrates Omron’s autonomous AMRs and fleet management appliances (EM2100) to provide complete AMR fleet solutions.
It incorporates specific tools to simplify integration with factory equipment and material-movement solutions (MES and ERP Solutions - refer to Related Manuals on page 15). NOTE: While this User Guide focuses primarily on fleet applications, the tools, capabilities, and techniques explained here can be used by customers deploying single AMRs as well. FLOW Core software releases are coordinated to update both the AMR platforms and the fleet management systems for optimal performance with every new release. FLOW Core software is installed at the Omron factory on every AMR that Omron produces. These AMRs can operate on their own, but are most effectively used in fleets.
To support fleet operations, an additional Fleet Manager is necessary. Omron provides two Fleet Manager configurations based on its standard EM2100 appliance, providing customers the option to purchase a Secondary unit for redundancy if desired. See Configure Paired Appliances on page 26 for setting up redundant Fleet Managers. 20569-020 Rev. A Fleet Operations Workspace Core User's Guide 9