Control augmentation apparatus and method for automated guided vehicles

An augmentation system for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility, the system comprising:

• a memory storing a map comprising a digital representation of the facility, wherein at least a portion of the map is generated based on first sensor data;
• one or more sensors, wherein at least one sensor of the one or more sensors generates second sensor data, the at least one sensor being a different type than a first sensor that generated the first sensor data;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory and each of the one or more sensors, the processor configured for:
• obtaining an operational command for the AGV;
• and
• operating the AGV to execute the operational command based on the map, wherein during execution of the operational command:
• determining, with reference to the map, a current location of the AGV within the facility;
• receiving, from the one or more sensors, the second sensor data in respect of an area surrounding the current location;
• analyzing the second sensor data to determine one or more features in the surrounding area;
• comparing the one or more features to information included in the map in respect of the surrounding area;
• based on the comparison, determining a discrepancy between the second sensor data and information included in the map;
• and
• updating the map based on the second sensor data.

A method for navigating an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility, the AGV being coupled to an augmentation system including a processor coupled to one or more sensors and a memory, the method comprises:

• obtaining, using the processor, an operational command for the AGV;
• and
• operating, using the processor, the AGV to execute the operational command, wherein during execution of the operational command:
• determining, with reference to a map of the facility, a current location of the AGV within the facility, wherein the map comprises a digital representation of the facility, and at least a portion of the map is generated based on first sensor data;
• receiving, from the one or more sensors, second sensor data generated by at least one sensor of the one or more sensors, the second sensor data being in respect of an area surrounding the current location, the at least one sensor being a different type than a first sensor that generated the first sensor data;
• analyzing the second sensor data to determine one or more features in the surrounding area;
• comparing the one or more features to information included in the map in respect of the surrounding area;
• based on the comparison, determining a discrepancy between the second sensor data and information included in the map;
• and
• updating the map to based on the second sensor data.