Abstract: A cruise control apparatus controls the traveling of an own vehicle on the basis of the predicted route which is a predicted value of the travel route of an own vehicle. The cruise control apparatus compares the moving locus of the preceding vehicle with the position of a stationary object provided along the road to determine whether or not a moving locus is along the shape of the road. The moving locus is validated when it is determined that the moving locus is along the shape of the road, and the moving locus is invalidated when it is determined that the moving locus is not along the shape of the road, and the predicted route of the vehicle is calculated on the basis of the validated moving locus.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a trio of ultrasonic sensors, and a controller configured to, responsive to a location of an object identified from a distance between the ultrasonic sensors, a receive time at each of the ultrasonic sensors associated with a same ultrasonic pulse from a transmitter of the object, and an absence of data regarding a send time of the ultrasonic pulse, steer the vehicle to the object.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a wafer pod includes: a cavity configured to receive and store a wafer; an alignment fiducial within the cavity, wherein: the alignment fiducial comprises two lines orthogonal to each other, and the alignment fiducial is configured to be detected by a robotic arm alignment sensor disposed on a robotic arm, wherein the alignment fiducial defines an alignment orientation for a robotic arm gripper hand to enter into the cavity.

Abstract: An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may improve the overall safety of other vehicles by determining an action of a proximate vehicle based on sensor data and determining one or more expected visual cues associated with the determined action. One or more images of the proximate vehicle may then be used to detect a difference between expected visual cues and the captured images. Detected differences may be used to notify one or more entities that can then take corrective actions.

Abstract: A method for handling items using a plurality of movable-bots includes defining a conveyance path to be followed by the plurality of movable-bots, where the conveyance path is configured as a closed loop. The method further includes defining, for each of the plurality of movable-bots, a plurality of path attributes associated with the conveyance path. The method further includes instructing each of the plurality of movable-bots to synchronize a movement with respect to at least one other movable-bot based on the plurality of path attributes when moving along the conveyance path.

Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: detecting a wireless push signal transmitted from a signal transmitter accompanied by an off-vehicle passer and received by a signal receiver of the autonomous-driving vehicle, the wireless push signal including information about a motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer, determining a position and a motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer at least based on the wireless push signal, and controlling a locomotive mechanism of the autonomous-driving vehicle based on the determined position and motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer.

Abstract: An auto guided vehicle system adapting for carrying an object is provided. The auto guided vehicle system includes a plurality of auto guided vehicles. Each of the auto guided vehicles has a vehicle body and an omnidirectional wheel set, and further includes a driving device, a wireless communication module, and a processing device. The driving device drives the omnidirectional wheel set. The wireless communication module communicates with a control module of an electric device. The processing device transmits a position information to the control module through the wireless communication module. The control module determines an arrangement pattern of the auto guided vehicles on a movement plane according to an object information and the respective position information of the auto guided vehicles, such that the auto guided vehicles carry and transport the object in the arrangement pattern. Besides, an operating method is also provided.

Abstract: A autonomous mobile green area maintenance robot, includes: a first motor-driven treatment tool, a second motor-driven treatment tool differing from the first treatment tool, and an open protective housing with a lateral rim. The first treatment tool defines a first treatment zone and is arranged within the protective housing such that the first treatment zone is located in a safety zone of the protective housing. The safety zone has a safety distance to the lateral rim. The second treatment tool defines a second treatment zone, wherein the second treatment zone is located at least partially beyond the safety zone. The autonomous mobile green area maintenance robot has an autonomous operation mode, wherein in the autonomous operation mode, a maximum kinetic energy of the second motor-driven treatment tool is smaller than a maximum kinetic energy of the first motor-driven treatment tool.

Abstract: A system for controlling the interface between a paving machine and material supply machine. The system includes a sensor or other means for sensing a distance between the paving machine and the material supply machine and a control system in operable communication with the sensor or other means for sensing and in operable communication with either or both of an operational system of the paving machine and an operational system of the material supply machine to take control of the acceleration or deceleration of either or both of the paving machine and material supply machine.

Abstract: A vehicular driver assistance system includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and a control having an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera to determine lane markings demarcating a traffic lane in which the vehicle is traveling and to estimate a path of travel for the vehicle to maintain the vehicle in the traffic lane in which the vehicle is traveling in situations where the lane markings demarcating the traffic lane in which the vehicle is traveling are not readily determinable. The control estimates the path of travel for the vehicle at least responsive to vehicle information. The system updates the estimated path of travel ahead of the vehicle even when no lane markings are determined present on the road ahead of the vehicle. The control adjusts processing of captured image data responsive at least in part to a driving situation that the vehicle is in.

Abstract: An operator uses a remote operation apparatus to remotely operate an operated vehicle. The remote operation apparatus includes a position information processor which, based on vehicle position information indicating a current position of the operated vehicle and delay information indicating a delay time required for information transmission between the operated vehicle and the remote operation apparatus, generates first position information indicating a first predicted position of the operated vehicle from the current position of the operated vehicle considering the delay time; based on obstacle position information indicating a current position of at least one obstacle around the operated vehicle acquired by the operated vehicle and the delay information, generates second position information indicating a second predicted position of the at least one obstacle from the time of the current position of the obstacle considering the delay time; and outputs the first and second position information.

Abstract: A robotic platform may include a chassis, left and right wheel assemblies, and a controller. The left and right wheel assemblies may include a caster wheel, a motor, a shaft, and a bevel gear. The wheel may be mounted to an axle for rotation about a drive axis and steering about a steering axis. The drive shaft may have one end coupled to the axle and another end wrapped by a respective belt to control rotation of the shaft about the steering axis. The bevel gear may couple the shaft to the axle so rotation of the shaft about the steering axis controls rotation of the wheel about the drive axis to drive the platform in a substantially horizontal direction. The controller may control the left and right drive motors independently, to provide differential drive. Various other assemblies, robots, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an autonomously navigating utility vehicle adapted to run about a working area defined by a boundary wire which generates magnetic field therearound when supplied with electric current and having a magnetic sensor that produces an output indicating intensity of magnetic field generated by the boundary wire and a position determining unit that determine a position of the vehicle with respect to the working area based on the output of the magnetic sensor, a coded data signal determined to be inherent to the working area is generated and supplied to the electric current, and the position determining unit detects the data signal and determines the position of the vehicle based on a rate of concordance of the detected data signal and a reference signal.

Abstract: Embodiments for managing vehicles by one or more processors are described. Deactivation of a vehicle is detected. While the vehicle is deactivated, an event indicative of a safety concern associated with the vehicle is detected. An indication of the event is caused to be provided to a user of the vehicle when the vehicle is reactivated.

Abstract: A road finishing machine comprising a paving screed for the production of a new road pavement layer of a paving material and a unit provided on the road finishing machine to generate a dynamic compacting specification field based on thermographic geosignals with regard to at least one temperature image that exists behind the paving screed of the road finishing machine for at least one surface section of the newly installed road pavement layer. An information indication unit provided on the road finishing machine is configured to display at last one compacting message that is at least partially based on the compacting specification field to an operator of at least one compacting vehicle that follows behind the road finishing machine for compacting of the newly installed road pavement layer.

Abstract: A self-traveling vehicle of the present disclosure includes a controller. Every time a marker sensor detects a command marker during travel of the self-traveling vehicle, the controller reads from storage a command of a command group among a plurality of command groups, and executes content of the read command. Commands of the command group are read and executed sequentially upon detection of respective command markers. When another marker sensor detects a reset marker, the controller selects another command group next to a currently executed command group in execution order, and every time the marker sensor detects a command marker, reads from the storage a command of the selected command group and executes content of the read command. Commands of the selected command group are read and executed sequentially upon detection of respective command markers.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system, comprising a robotic work tool, said robotic work tool comprising a controller being configured to cause said robotic work tool to operate in a first operating mode, which first operating mode is based on a current position, said current position being determined based on signals received from a position determining device, such as Global Navigation Satellite System device; determine that said received signals are not reliable, and in response thereto cause said robotic work tool to operate according to second operating mode, which second operating mode is not based on a current position being determined based on said received signals.

Abstract: An automated driving apparatus on a vehicle includes an acquirer and an automated driving control circuit. The acquirer detects a first marker that is detected when the vehicle passes through a first specified position on a road, and acquires the first specified position. The automated driving control circuit performs automated driving of the vehicle by controlling a traction actuator used to drive the vehicle based on a detection result from an onboard sensor on the vehicle. The automated driving control circuit determines whether to perform the automated driving, based on the detection result from the onboard sensor and information relating to the first specified position acquired by the acquirer under a condition that the first marker is detected by the acquirer.

Abstract: A steer torque manager for an advanced driver assistance system of a road vehicle and a method therefor. The steer torque manager includes a driver in the loop functionality for determining when to hand over control to a driver, and a wheel angle controller for providing, from an advanced driver assistance system wheel angle request, an overlay torque request to be added to a torque request from an electrical power assisted steering. The steer torque manager is configured to receive an assistance torque related signal and arranged to scale, in a scaling functionality the bandwidth of the wheel angle controller based on a measure of driver activity, such that the bandwidth is reduced if the measure of driver activity indicates high driver activity and increased if the measure of driver activity indicates low driver activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a load on an automated lifting cart, including a lifting surface vertically movable relative to the lifting cart, two pairs of cams positioned underneath the lifting surface having cam profiles shaped to lift the lifting surface upon rotation of the cams, a pair of encoders reading a rotation property of each pair of cams, and a controller configured to control movement of the pairs of cams by synchronizing the rotation properties of the pairs of cams by matching output from the encoders. Additionally, methods of lifting a load using an automated lifting cart including cams with a movement profile and a load profile, and methods of synchronizing drive shafts in a lifting cart using torque current measurements sent from a lead motor to a lag motor.

Abstract: A transport vehicle for containers, with a first set-down surface on which a container can be set down, and with two opposite guide surfaces which run directed towards each other in the direction of the first set-down surface in order to guide a container in the direction of the first set-down surface when setting the container down on the transport vehicle (1) with the first set-down surface arranged between the guide surfaces. An adapter is provided which is movable between a standby position and an operating position in such a manner that a container, when being set down on the transport vehicle, is guided onto the first set-down surface when the adapter is in the standby position, and is guided onto a second set-down surface formed by the adapter and arranged between the guide surfaces when the adapter is placed onto the transport vehicle in the operating position.

Abstract: A movable object includes a sensing device for detecting traveling-route reflector on a travel surface so that a region outside a floor projection region of the movable object, in particular the traveling-route reflector forward, can be detected. Detecting the traveling-route reflector across a wide range of areas allows traveling control, such as gradual deceleration before entering a curve, speed regulation based on a turning radius at the curve so that centrifugal force on a rider or load is not too great. Also the movable object can detect a branch point or an intersection beforehand, decelerate, and notify the user for user's instruction regarding the traveling direction. Furthermore, for a movable object autonomously traveling with an item mounted thereon, a single sensing device detects the traveling-route reflector and also serves as a safety sensor for avoiding collision with any other objects therearound.

Abstract: A distance measurement device and an image capturing control device obtains height information and angle information on an image capturing unit based on a captured image signal output from an image capturing unit, and obtain distance information indicating a distance between the image capturing unit and a target object by using the height information and the angle information.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system for a work vehicle includes a controller having a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a position of an obstacle relative to the work vehicle, to determine whether the position of the obstacle corresponds to a position of a movable object coupled to the work vehicle, and to output a second signal indicative of detection of the obstacle in response to determining that the position of the obstacle does not correspond to the position of the movable object.

Abstract: A collision avoidance device includes an electronic control unit configured to: calculate a deflection angle that is a change angle of a direction of a host vehicle turning in a direction of a blinker in a turn-on state based on a direction of the host vehicle when the host vehicle switches the blinker into the turn-on state; and execute a collision avoidance control for avoiding a collision between the host vehicle and an obstacle in a case where the electronic control unit determines that there is a collision possibility between the host vehicle and the obstacle based on a path of the host vehicle on an intersection and a position of the obstacle, wherein the electronic control unit is configured not to execute the collision avoidance control when the deflection angle is equal to or greater than a deflection angle threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting at least one object (3) in surroundings (4) of a motor vehicle (1), in which a first sensor (6) is actuated to emit a sensor signal, sensor data are received from a second sensor (6), which describe the sensor signal reflected from the at least one object (3), a fuzzy feature (xU) is determined from the sensor data as an object feature (xP, xL, xU) for describing the at least one object (3), wherein the fuzzy feature (xU) describes a distance between the at least one object (3) and the first sensor (6) and a distance between the at least one object and the second sensor (6), wherein the fuzzy feature (xU) is described as an ellipse (xE), a further object feature (xP, xL), which describes the at least one object (3), is determined on the basis of sensor data of at least one further measurement of the first and/or the second sensor (6), the further object feature (xP, xL) and the fuzzy feature (xU) are transferred using an innovation function (h) into a common sta

Abstract: There is provided an autonomous vehicle for pushing feed lying on a floor, comprising a frame; a skirt rotatably connected to the frame, wherein a bottom portion of the skirt continuously contacts the floor to push the feed. The vehicle comprises a sensor assembly for detecting a magnetic field emitted from a magnetic guiding element inserted in the floor and a control unit mounted for directing rotation of the skirt and for guiding the vehicle along a predetermined path formed by the magnetic guiding element. Also provided is an autonomous vehicle with a skirt drive mechanism mounted to the frame for driving rotation of the skirt, and an autonomous vehicle comprising a prism-shaped skirt rotatably connected to the frame. There is also provided methods for installing a magnetically guided autonomous vehicle and for pushing feed using an autonomous vehicle, as well as systems and kits comprising said vehicle.

Abstract: The self-propelled vehicle system includes a drive line, a start marker, and a self-propelled vehicle. The self-propelled vehicle includes a plurality of drive line sensors arranged, in a direction intersecting with the travel direction of the self-propelled vehicle, at a wider range than a width of the drive line, a marker sensor that detects the start marker, and a control unit. After the start marker is detected by the marker sensor, the control unit nullifies the detection output of one group of the drive line sensors out of a plurality of groups that are formed by dividing all the drive line sensors, and in accordance with the detection output of another of the groups, the control unit makes the travel direction of the self-propelled vehicle follow the drive line branched towards a side of the another group, which is one of the two drive lines branched into two directions.

Abstract: Asynchronous item delivery utilizes a depot and a mobile robot. A method includes (1) receiving a specification by a user of a destination depot and an item, (2) selecting, based on item delivery data and by a depot control system, a drawer from a rack module in a depot that houses drawers, (3) receiving the item from the user via the depot user interface, (4) communicating the item to the drawer within the rack module that houses drawers, communicating, from the depot and to a mobile robot, a message to pick up the item, (5) swapping a first battery on the mobile robot with a second batter charged by the depot, (6) transferring the item from the drawer in the depot to the mobile robot using a depot drawer-swapping module and a mobile robot drawer-swapping module and (7) delivering, by the mobile robot, the item to the destination depot.

Abstract: A vehicle traveling control device includes: a deceleration correction determination unit, a lane detection evaluation unit, a control gain setting unit, and a deceleration control unit. The deceleration correction determination unit acquires information on a curve ahead of a host vehicle and determines on a basis of the curve information whether host vehicle speed deceleration correction is necessary during entry to the curve. The lane detection evaluation unit evaluates a road surface situation of a road prior to the curve entry by a state of detection of a lane ahead of the curve in a case where the deceleration correction is determined necessary. The control gain setting unit sets a control gain of the deceleration correction on a basis of an evaluation value of the lane detection state. The deceleration control unit performs host vehicle speed deceleration control during the curve entry on the basis of the control gain.

Abstract: A transport device for a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The transport device comprises a plurality of actuator modules. Each actuator module comprises a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators. A plurality of base plate modules arranged in a pattern is provided. The base plate modules are coupled to each other and aligned by support elements. The number of base plate modules at least equals the number of actuator modules and each base plate module is configured to support one of the plurality of actuator modules. A laboratory sample distribution system and to a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system are also presented.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle comprising a tag reader, a reader module, and a diagnostic tag, wherein the diagnostic tag is coupled to the industrial truck within a read range of the tag reader. The reader module and the tag reader cooperate to identify the diagnostic tag and individual tags of a tag layout and the reader module discriminates between the individual tags of the tag layout and the diagnostic tag and the individual tags of the tag layout, correlates an identified individual tag of the tag layout with tag data, correlates an identified diagnostic tag with operation of the tag reader, and generates a missing tag signal if the diagnostic tag is not identified or the operation of the tag reader is not within specified operating parameters.

Abstract: When a steering operation by a driver intervenes during autonomous driving of a vehicle, the intervention operation is fully reflected and a feeling of strangeness and a feeling of discomfort that may be given to the driver are reduced. An ECU of an electric power steering apparatus includes: a steering angle control section; an assist control section; and a switching determination/gradual change gain generating section, by which a steering angle control output and an assist control output are multiplied, and multiplies a gradual change gain to make a switching determination between a steering angle control mode and an assist control mode.

Abstract: In this vehicle position estimation device, positions of a target present in a periphery of a vehicle is detected and, in conjunction therewith, amounts of movements of the vehicle is detected, and the positions of the target is stored as target position data, based on the amounts of movements. In addition, a portion of the target position data are grouped into a group according to turning states of the vehicle, and, based on amounts of movements of the vehicle when the target position data are detected, an adjustment range for the group is set. Further, map information including positions of the target is acquired and, by matching the target position data with the positions of the target in the map information based on the set adjustment range, a vehicle position of the vehicle is estimated.

Abstract: An Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) controller executes RDM control (steering suppression control). However, the RDM controller does not execute RDM control in cases in which lane changing has been determined to be possible by a Lane Change (LC) determination section and a torque sensor has detected a steering input of a predetermined amount or greater.

Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a control and a plurality of sensors that include at least a camera and a 3D point-cloud LIDAR sensor. The control is operable to process captured image data to determine presence of another vehicle and to process captured 3D point-cloud LIDAR data to determine presence of another vehicle. A receiver at the equipped vehicle is operable to receive a wireless communication of information pertaining to other traffic participants in the vicinity of the equipped vehicle. The control is operable to process wirelessly-communicated information pertaining to other traffic participants in the vicinity of the equipped vehicle. The control, responsive at least in part to processing of at least one of (i) received image data, (ii) received 3D point-cloud LIDAR data and (iii) received information pertaining to other traffic participants in the vicinity of the equipped vehicle, controls at least one vehicle function of the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes an autonomous driving assist steering system for controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a primary steering mode. Also included is an alternate steering mechanism controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a secondary steering mode, wherein the alternate steering mechanism is not a steering wheel.

Abstract: A robotic garbage unit can include a garbage container, a robotic drive system, and sensors. The robotic garbage unit can determine a travel path and drive along the travel path to get to a garbage pickup location. The robotic garbage unit can detect a garbage pickup event based on garbage sensors. When a garbage pickup event is detected, the robotic garbage unit determines a travel path to a docking station and drives to the docking station. The robotic garbage unit can avoid obstructions while traveling by adjusting a travel path.

Abstract: A throttle control system and method for use with a vehicle. The throttle control system receives an input voltage from a vehicle throttle controller. The throttle control system prepares a throttle signal and provides the throttle signal to the throttle to force deceleration to a selected speed or constrain acceleration to a selected value. Preparing the throttle signal may follow detection of maximum threshold values of speed or input voltage. The maximum threshold values may be specific to the location of the vehicle. The throttle signal and the maximum threshold values may be defined with reference to the input voltage, vehicle speed, vehicle location, or other parameters. The throttle signal may force deceleration or constrain acceleration incrementally to mitigate loss of vehicle throttle controller responsiveness to driver commands. The throttle signal may be an output voltage provided to a vehicle electronic control module.

Abstract: When lane change assist control for assisting a lane change from an own lane (original lane) to an adjacent target lane is performed, the determination as to whether or not another vehicle is in the target lane may be made based on the own lane width, the own vehicle's deviation from the lateral center of the own lane (own lane deviation), and the lateral position of the another vehicle. When the vehicle enters the target lane, own lane switching in which the own lane deviation changes by the lane width occurs and makes it impossible to properly perform the above determination. In view of this, after occurrence of own lane switching, the above determination is made based on a value obtained by adding the own lane width to the another vehicle lateral position or a value obtained by subtracting the own lane width from the another vehicle lateral position.

Abstract: A dynamic representation of a robot in an environment is produced, one or more observer agent collects data, and respective values of one or more metrics for the robot are computed based at least in part on the collected data. Tasks for the robot to perform are generated. Ratings and challenge questions are generated. A server may produce a user interface and a value of a metric based on collected observer data.

Abstract: A travel control method for a vehicle detects a target trajectory along which a subject vehicle should travel and controls the subject vehicle to travel in an autonomous manner along the detected target trajectory. This method includes provisionally setting a forward gaze point distance from the subject vehicle to a forward gaze point, estimating a traveling trajectory in which the subject vehicle coincides with the target trajectory at the forward gaze point, detecting a maximum value of a lateral displacement between the estimated traveling trajectory and the target trajectory during travel from a current position of the subject vehicle to the forward gaze point, and definitely setting the forward gaze point distance when the maximum value of the lateral displacement is a predetermined value or less as an actual forward gaze point distance and controlling the subject vehicle to travel on the basis of the definitely-set forward gaze point distance.

Abstract: State of an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) is measured and stored for a location and speed of the ADV. Later, the state of the ADV is measured for the location and speed corresponding to a previously stored state of the ADV at the same location and speed. Fields of the measured stored states of the ADV are compared. If one or more differences between the measured and stored ADV states exceeds a threshold, then one or more control input parameters of the ADV is adjusted, such as steering, braking, or throttle. Differences may be attributable to road conditions or to state of servicing of the ADV. Differences between measured and stored states of the ADV can be passed to a service module. Service module can access crowd sourced data to determine whether one or more control input parameters for a driving state of one or more ADVs should be updated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus pertaining to generating training data. The method may include executing a simulation process. The simulation process may include traversing one or more virtual sensors over a virtual driving environment defining a plurality of lane markings or virtual objects that are each sensible by the one or more virtual sensors. During the traversing, each of the one or more virtual sensors may be moved with respect to the virtual driving environment as dictated by a vehicle-dynamic model modeling motion of a vehicle driving on a virtual road surface of the virtual driving environment while carrying the one or more virtual sensors. Virtual sensor data characterizing the virtual driving environment may be recorded. The virtual sensor data may correspond to what an actual sensor would produce in a real-world environment that is similar or substantially matching the virtual driving environment.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: In a racking system and a method for operating a racking system having a vehicle, the vehicle has omnidirectional wheels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle control method and apparatus and a method and apparatus for acquiring a decision-making model. The vehicle control method, comprising: during travel of an unmanned vehicle, acquiring current external environment information and map information in real time; determining vehicle state information corresponding to the external environment information and map information acquired each time according to a decision-making model obtained by pre-training and reflecting correspondence relationship between the external environment information, map information and vehicle state information, and controlling a travel state of the unmanned vehicle according to the determined vehicle state information. Application of the solution of the present invention can improve security and reduce the workload.

Abstract: An aircraft collision avoidance system including (a) at least one separation monitoring device connectable to at least a portion of an aircraft and/or vehicle, the separation monitoring device comprising (1) at least one transmitter, (2) at least one receiver, and (3) an image sensor, and (b) a master unit.

Abstract: A mobile starting light signaling system for a pair of vehicles in a race having at least two units. A primary unit is connected to a primary vehicle and a second unit is connected to a secondary vehicle. Each unit has a sensor in electrical communication with a display. The display has a green light, a yellow light, and a red light. The first sensor is in bidirectional communication with the second sensor to determine whether or not the primary vehicle is in alignment with the secondary vehicle. The red light is illuminated when the primary vehicle is not in alignment with the secondary vehicle. The yellow light is illuminated when the primary vehicle is in alignment with the secondary vehicle. The green light is illuminated to indicate the start of the race when the primary vehicle is in alignment with the secondary vehicle for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling line guide of an automated material handling system, comprises: optical lines in which a side light emission optical fiber is installed in the whole section of a confluence of a plurality of lines of lines for moving the unmanned transport devices; a main confluence control device which is installed at the confluence, performs optical communication with the unmanned transport device through the optical line; and a sub-confluence control device which is installed in the unmanned transport device, performs optical communication with the main confluence control device through the optical line to report an entry state or a pass completion state for the confluence, and controls the unmanned transport device to perform an entry operation or a standby operation depending on the pass control signal.