ABB has filed a new patent with the China National Intellectual Property Administration for an “unmanned transport vehicle with improved anti-rollover performance.” The application publication number is CN121038978A, and it was submitted in May 2023.

According to the patent abstract, the invention relates to an autonomous transport vehicle designed to enhance stability and safety during operation while maintaining cost efficiency. The system focuses on improving the vehicle’s resistance to tipping over, a critical factor in industrial automation and logistics applications.

The unmanned transport vehicle includes a chassis and a suspension system that connects the chassis to the wheels, allowing controlled relative movement between them. The suspension system comprises a first wheel, a second wheel, a supporting bracket connecting both wheels, and a hinge shaft that links the bracket to the chassis.

A key feature of the design is a sensor integrated into the hinge shaft, which is configured to detect forces transmitted from the chassis to the support bracket. By monitoring these force variations, the system can better assess load distribution and vehicle stability in real time.

This data enables improved control strategies that enhance anti-rollover performance without significantly increasing system complexity or cost. As a result, the vehicle’s overall operational safety and reliability are improved in a cost-effective manner, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments such as automated logistics and smart manufacturing facilities.

The patent highlights ABB’s continued innovation in autonomous mobility, focusing on safer and more intelligent transport solutions for industrial automation systems.