Shukhov Belgorod State Technological University Develops Delivery Robot for Factory Floors
Belgorod State Technological University named after V.G. Shukhov has developed an autonomous mobile platform to handle material transport on factory floors.
The robot delivers workpieces to machine tools, moves parts between processing stages and brings tools to workstations.
Currently, these movements depend on workers’ availability, leaving equipment idle and parts piling up between operations. The platform is built on a wheeled chassis powered by electric motors and rechargeable batteries. A lidar sensor, cameras and an onboard computer enable autonomous navigation, with computer vision used to interpret the surroundings. The robot creates a digital map of the facility, determines its own position and receives its destination from a production task. QR codes on equipment verify that deliveries reach the correct location.
A multilayer safety system protects workers and equipment. Sensors detect objects in the robot’s path, prompting it to slow down, adjust its route or stop. The platform also has an emergency stop and visual and audible warning signals.
A working prototype has been built, and its navigation, control software and transport functions have been tested. The next stage will involve trials under conditions that approximate a real production environment.
