In the industrial and warehouse sectors, so-called autonomous transport systems (ATS) or driverless transport systems (AGVs) are increasingly being used to make the movement of materials more efficient, resource-saving and also safer. For example, when moving heavy loads or very distributed material movements, the distances and physical strain on production and warehouse employees are significantly reduced. Production processes and workflows can also be made more efficient and material flow and warehouse occupancy can be optimized. The areas of application for driverless transport systems are extremely diverse and the potential for optimization is extensive. The same applies to the systems available on the market. From small transport systems (small parts load carriers / KLT) to mobile robots and large driverless transport vehicles (heavy-duty AGVs), a suitable AGV can be found for every area of ​​application.

When it comes to safety, these modern transport systems also offer various functions and are often equipped with several safety mechanisms. This is referred to as a collision protection system, which means that the transport system has sensors that prevent a collision with personnel, storage facilities or other vehicles. In many driverless transport systems, this is also supplemented by visual and/or acoustic safety devices.

Traffic routes versus traffic areas:

The requirements for operational traffic routes according to ASR A.1.8 apply to autonomous transport systems. This includes separate or combined traffic routes for pedestrians, human-controlled or automated vehicle traffic. According to the risk assessment, these traffic routes may need to be separated by railings or crash barriers. However, since many autonomous transport systems are no longer tied to defined lanes, they can use the entire traffic area and the associated advantages in the respective areas of application. Technical measures such as collision protection in combination with markings are therefore used to design operational traffic in such a way that employees are not endangered.

Why is labeling important despite collision protection systems?

Meaningful markings (signs/markings) make it possible to define routes and mark danger zones, even if collision protection systems are in place.

General safety information:

In order to make employees aware of driverless transport systems, labeling them makes sense regardless of the risk identified during regular operation. This creates acceptance and understanding for the technology used and prevents disruptions to the automated processes due to incorrect behavior. This increases security awareness, for example in the event of a system malfunction.

Optimization of traffic flows:

The correct labeling supports the optimization of traffic flows. Clearly defined lanes and areas for overtaking maneuvers increase efficiency and safety. In addition, it is ensured that the routes are kept clean and clear and that no objects hinder the flow of traffic.

Crossing areas:

In areas where the routes of autonomous transport systems intersect with other operational transport routes, The purpose of marking is to minimize accident risks and optimize stop times through clear priority regulations. Technical measures according to ASR A1.8 would be traffic lights, flashing lights or mirrors.

Meeting areas:

Use across the entire traffic area creates a wide variety of encounter areas with pedestrians or manually or autonomously controlled vehicles. Depending on the circumstances, a wide variety of safety markings, floor markings and technical measures come into question in these areas.

Transfer of loads:

Ideally, the load transfer takes place in a secured area to which no one has access. If this is not possible, additional safety measures are required to avoid endangering people. These markings depend on the respective areas of application.

Recommended labels

Colored floor markings:

Whether human-controlled or automated – the use of color markings for paths with vehicle traffic, danger zones and work areas facilitates visual orientation and is the most common solution for demarcating internal traffic routes. Some driverless transport systems also use sensor markings to determine driving routes or delimit driving areas.

Signs and symbols:

Understandable signs and safety symbols are essential for implementing operational safety measures. Despite collision protection systems, a sign that warns of autonomous transport systems is useful to inform employees or people outside the company, such as external service providers or suppliers, about autonomous vehicles.

Various symbols can be used for marking the use of driverless, automated or autonomous transport systems. For example, common symbols according to ASR A1.3 or EN ISO 7010 are used in combination with additional texts, as well as tried-and-tested variants. The signage chosen depends on the autonomous vehicles or transport systems used in accordance with the safety requirements according to risk assessment and operational organization.

Symbol overview – marking of driverless transport systems

W037: Warning of rollover by remote-controlled machine

The symbol W037 according to EN ISO 7010 is the closest in content to the representation of an autonomous transport system among the symbols listed in the standards. The pictogram shows a person being hit by a vehicle with an antenna and indicates that injuries can occur from automated or remotely controlled vehicles. However, the specification states that it is a remote-controlled device, ie a human-controlled locomotion of an operator (operator) who actively controls the vehicle through his instructions. In combination with additional text, the symbolism is suitable for warning driverless transport systems.

Field-tested: Warning of autonomous vehicles/robots

Based on the symbol W037, the pictogram depicts a person who comes into collision with a vehicle. The vehicle’s two antennas are intended to illustrate the vehicle’s autonomous control. This tried-and-tested symbol is suitable for both autonomous transport systems and mobile robots (e.g. cleaning robots) to warn of tripping or the risk of collision.

Tried and tested: Warning about driverless transport systems

The tried and tested symbol illustrates a collision with a small automated transport system (KLT) and a person who is falling. Due to the representation of the frequently used KLTs, the transport system in question is immediately recognizable. In combination with additional texts, further information can be provided.

W014: Warning about industrial trucks

The symbol W014 according to EN ISO 7010 with the forklift symbol warns of the dangers of forklift traffic in storage areas and on the factory premises. Since the risk of injury in the event of a collision does not differ in effect between manually controlled industrial trucks and autonomous transport vehicles, this sign, in combination with additional text, is also suitable as a sign to warn of driverless transport systems, especially in larger AGVs.

D-P006 Access prohibited for unauthorized persons

Fully automated areas are often designed in such a way that automation can take place without human interference or interruption. Only authorized persons have access to these areas. The symbol is therefore used individually or in combination with the previous ones to identify safety for autonomous systems.

P004: Prohibited for pedestrians

If operational traffic routes for vehicles and pedestrians are separated, this symbol is clearly understandable, e.g. for all places that intersect with vehicle traffic. This can also be transferred to the operation of autonomous vehicles.

P023: Parking and storage prohibited

In order to make automated processes run smoothly, in addition to keeping the routes clean, they must be kept free of obstacles. The symbol makes it clear that no objects may be placed.

M024 Use pedestrian path

The same applies here, whether autonomous or manually controlled vehicles – it is necessary to comply with safety requirements in all areas with factory traffic. The marking of areas for pedestrians or pedestrians is therefore a common feature, as is access restriction for unauthorized persons.

Example:

With a picture of the AGV used, you can achieve optimally understandable labeling, as the example shows.

Application and operational identification:

As with most equipment, there is a need for further labeling, such as:

• Inventory
• Test marking
• Electrical systems / battery charging station / moisture protection
• The loading data
• No boarding/riding bans
• Emergency stop switch

In the SETON online shop you will find marking solutions for the operation of driverless transport systems that suit your requirements. Rely on standard-compliant signage, supplemented by tried-and-tested and individual markings according to your needs as signs or floor signs.