BlueBotics ANT Review: Features and Uses of the Natural Feature Navigation System
Updated: 7 days ago
BlueBotics ANT is a navigation system that vehicle makers build into their automated guided vehicles and mobile robots. The manufacturer does not publish a price. This review covers its products, features and uses.
Quick Verdict
BlueBotics does not sell vehicles; it sells the navigation that many vehicle makers use. ANT, for Autonomous Navigation Technology, locates a vehicle from the natural features of the building as seen by its existing safety laser scanners, so no tape, wires or reflectors are installed. BlueBotics states accuracy to ±1 cm and ±1 degree, more than 7,000 vehicles in operation and more than 150 vehicle types automated. Because many brands use the same system, their vehicles can run together in one fleet of up to 300 under ANT server. A buyer chooses it indirectly, by choosing an ANT-driven vehicle.
BlueBotics ANT at a Glance
Accuracy: to ±1 cm and ±1°
Fleet size: up to 300 vehicles
Vehicles in operation: more than 7,000
Vehicle types automated: more than 150
Certification: FCC and CE
Price: on request
BlueBotics ANT Products
The table below lists the products in the ANT family.
Product | Description |
ANT lite+ | Full positioning and control solution for AGVs and AMRs; includes ANT server fleet management |
ANT localization+ | Solution for upgrading line-following AGVs |
ANT localization | Positioning-only solution for AGVs and AMRs |
ANT server | Mission and fleet management software |
ANT everywhere | Outdoor extension based on GNSS |
Detailed Technical Data
Accuracy to ±1 cm and ±1°
Fleets of up to 300 vehicles of any type
More than 2,000 end-user installations
2D map built from the vehicle's safety laser scanners
Optional obstacle avoidance
Fork control and embedded mission control
How It Works
The vehicle is driven once through the site to record a 2D map with its safety scanners. The map is cleaned of moving objects, routes are drawn in software, and the vehicle then localizes against permanent features such as walls and columns.
Software and Integration
ANT server
Fleet management, mission scheduling, traffic control, battery charge management and equipment interfacing, with an API to warehouse and production systems.
Simulation
Missions can be simulated before going live.
BlueBotics ANT Uses
Vehicle Makers
Adding proven navigation to a new AGV or AMR.
Mixed Fleets
Running vehicles of different makes under one fleet manager.
Upgrading Line Followers
Converting tape or wire vehicles with ANT localization+.
BlueBotics ANT Price and Value
BlueBotics does not publish a price; the system is supplied to vehicle makers and through ANT-driven vehicles.
For the company behind the product, read the BlueBotics Company Profile: Ownership, Technology and Partners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
No floor infrastructure
Accuracy to ±1 cm
Mixed-brand fleets up to 300 vehicles
Large installed base
Outdoor extension available
Cons
Sold through vehicle makers, not directly to most users
Relies on stable features in the building
No published price
Who Should Buy BlueBotics ANT?
It fits vehicle manufacturers who need navigation, and end users who want vehicles of several brands in one fleet.
BlueBotics ANT FAQ
How much does BlueBotics ANT cost?
BlueBotics does not publish a price.
What is BlueBotics ANT?
A natural feature navigation system for AGVs and AMRs.
How accurate is BlueBotics ANT?
To ±1 cm and ±1 degree, according to BlueBotics.
Does BlueBotics ANT need reflectors or tape?
No. It uses the building's natural features seen by the safety laser scanners.
How many vehicles can ANT server manage?
Fleets of up to 300 vehicles.
How many vehicles use BlueBotics ANT?
More than 7,000 are in operation, according to BlueBotics.
Can BlueBotics ANT work outdoors?
Yes, with the ANT everywhere extension based on GNSS.
Can vehicles of different brands work together with ANT?
Yes. ANT-driven vehicles of any type can run in one fleet.
Information is based on manufacturer statements and may change.
