DR SW90 VAC 4.0 – autonomous industrial sweeping robot

Description

DR SW90 VAC 4.0 – autonomous industrial sweeping robot, developed and built in Belgium

The DR SW90 VAC 4.0 is a low-profile autonomous sweeping robot for daily floor maintenance in warehouses, production halls and logistics environments. Version 4.0 combines dozens of software and technical improvements that come directly from practical experience with end users, dealers and specialised integrators.

The SW90 VAC 4.0 was developed for the real conditions in industrial buildings: fine dust, coarser loose dirt, narrow aisles, low racking, high ambient temperatures and zones where staff, forklifts and autonomous machines are active at the same time.

With a total sweeping width of up to approximately 950 mm, a theoretical capacity of up to 1,000 m² per hour and a hopper of approximately 30 litres, the SW90 can maintain large floor areas independently. The new Narrow Aisle Mode enables controlled navigation in correctly laid-out passages from approximately 1,180 mm.

Built for the reality of warehouses

The SW90 VAC 4.0 was not developed around a controlled demonstration in a showroom. The software, dust extraction, filtration, cooling, charging technology and safety options have been further improved based on real applications in warehouses, production halls and logistics buildings.

The result is a practical sweeping robot with a simple, robust construction focused on reliability, accessible maintenance and long-term daily use.

Improved autonomous navigation

The SW90 uses LiDAR to scan its environment, build a map and carry out cleaning routes independently. The version 4.0 software stack has been improved in several areas.

Key navigation functions are:

• LiDAR-based mapping and positioning
• Automatic route planning
• Independent execution of configured cleaning tasks
• Improved obstacle detection
• Improved positioning in narrow zones
• Narrow Aisle Mode for passages from approximately 1,180 mm
• Navigation with guidance and reference markers
• Improved recognition of the charging station
• More accurate approach to the charging contacts
• Improved automatic docking
• Automatic resumption of scheduled cleaning tasks

Navigation with guidance and reference markers can be used in zones where additional positioning information is needed, for example in long uniform aisles, open spaces or specific charging and passage points.

Narrow Aisle Mode

The SW90 has a total sweeping width of up to approximately 950 mm. With the specially developed Narrow Aisle Mode, the robot can navigate through correctly laid-out passages from approximately 1,180 mm.

In this mode, speed, positioning and steering movements are adapted to drive through narrow zones in a controlled way. The passage width actually required still depends on bends, obstacles, floor condition, safety margins and the layout of the site.

Powerful dust extraction and filter system

The SW90 VAC 4.0 combines mechanical sweeping with active dust extraction. The side brushes bring dirt to the central pick-up zone, after which loose dirt and dust are collected in the hopper.

The updated system includes:

• Active dust extraction
• High-quality filters for fine industrial dust
• Improved sealing of the air path
• Efficient collection of fine and coarser loose dirt
• Quickly accessible filter system
• Removable hopper
• Different sweeping brushes for a range of applications
• DR-developed air recirculation system

The SW90 is intended for regular industrial dust and loose dirt. For hazardous, explosive or health-damaging substances, it must always be checked in advance whether the machine and filter configuration are suitable and certified for that specific application.

DR-developed air recirculation system

The SW90 VAC 4.0 features a further improved air recirculation system developed by DR.

The filtered air is reused within the cleaning system. This makes more efficient use of the available airflow and blows less dust-laden air back into the working environment.

The benefits are:

• More efficient use of the available airflow
• Improved control of fine dust
• Less visible dust dispersion while sweeping
• Less dust-laden exhaust air in the working environment
• Compact filter system within the low machine construction
• Better performance in dusty industrial environments

Larger battery and European charging technology

The SW90 VAC 4.0 is equipped with a larger lithium battery for a maximum operating time of up to approximately 3.5 hours with active dust extraction.

A full charging cycle takes approximately 3.5 hours. When the battery reaches the set minimum level, the robot can automatically return to the charging station.

The charging technology is integrated in the robot and consists of a robust charging module produced in Europe in a metal housing.

Key features:

• Larger lithium battery
• Maximum operating time of up to approximately 3.5 hours
• Charging time of approximately 3.5 hours
• Automatic return to the charging station
• Improved charging station detection
• Improved automatic docking
• Integrated European charging technology
• Heavy-duty metal charging module
• Developed for reliable daily use

Redesigned CPU cooling system

For use in warm warehouses and production environments, version 4.0 has a completely redesigned cooling system for the central computing module.

The CPU is coupled to a specially milled aluminium heat sink. An extra-large fan provides active air movement and heat dissipation.

As a result, the SW90 VAC 4.0 is designed to operate stably at ambient temperatures of up to 45 °C, provided the machine is correctly maintained and the cooling air can circulate freely.

New milled LiDAR mount

The LiDAR sensor is mounted on a new DR-developed mounting system of milled aluminium.

This construction:

• Supports stable positioning of the LiDAR
• Limits unwanted movement and vibration
• Better protects the sensor assembly
• Enables interchangeable top modules
• Simplifies maintenance and replacement
• Forms the modular mounting point for additional accessories

Interchangeable sweeping brushes

The brush portfolio has been extended for version 4.0. This allows the SW90 to be matched more closely to different floors and types of soiling.

Depending on the application, brush configurations are available for:

• Fine dust
• Coarser loose dirt
• Smooth-finished industrial floors
• Rougher concrete floors
• Warehouse and logistics floors
• Dirt along racking and edges
• Mixed soiling in production environments

The right brush choice depends on the floor, soiling and desired service life.

ProxiVoice™ spoken warning module

ProxiVoice™ is a DR-developed warning module that allows the SW90 to play spoken safety messages.

The warnings can be tailored to specific zones and applications, for example at crossings, doorways, narrow aisles or busy logistics routes.

Possible messages include:

• “Attention, robot in operation.”
• “Warning, autonomous machine approaching.”
• “Keep the passage clear.”
• Site- or customer-specific safety messages

Key features:

• Several interchangeable spoken messages
• Adaptable to site and application
• Increases the recognisability of the robot
• Suitable for crossings and aisles
• Supports interaction with pedestrians and internal transport
• Can be combined with additional visual warnings

Optional OmniMast360™ safety module

OmniMast360™ is a DR-developed modular safety mast made of real carbon fibre. The module increases the visibility of the SW90 in busy warehouses and zones with forklift traffic.

The OmniMast360™ combines:

• A blue warning spot on the floor
• A powerful strobe light
• Twelve selectable flash patterns
• Increased visibility from different directions
• Lightweight construction of real carbon fibre
• One electrical connector
• One quick-release clamp for fitting and removal
• Modular mounting on the aluminium top structure

For low cleaning missions the OmniMast360™ can be removed. The safety module can be refitted and reconnected within approximately 15 seconds.

The module turns the SW90 from an extra-low cleaning robot into a more visible machine for busy warehouse aisles.

Low-profile construction

The SW90 is designed to clean under low racking, machines and installations where traditional ride-on sweepers cannot reach.

Depending on the chosen sensor and safety configuration, the machine height starts from approximately 355 mm. Removable top modules make it possible to adapt the machine to low cleaning zones or to applications where extra visibility is more important.

Key benefits

• Autonomous industrial sweeping robot
• Developed and hand-built in Belgium
• Built for warehouses and industrial environments
• Low-profile construction from approximately 355 mm
• Up to approximately 950 mm total sweeping width
• Narrow Aisle Mode from approximately 1,180 mm
• Theoretical capacity of up to approximately 1,000 m² per hour
• Hopper of approximately 30 litres
• Active dust extraction
• High-quality fine-dust filters
• DR-developed air recirculation system
• Less dust dispersion during cleaning
• Maximum operating time of up to approximately 3.5 hours
• Charging time of approximately 3.5 hours
• Automatic return to the charging station
• Improved automatic docking
• Integrated European charging technology
• Robust metal charging module
• LiDAR-based navigation
• Navigation with guidance and reference markers
• Milled aluminium LiDAR mount
• Interchangeable top modules
• Redesigned CPU cooling system
• Milled aluminium heat sink
• Extra-large cooling fan
• Designed for environments up to 45 °C
• Different sweeping brushes available
• ProxiVoice™ spoken warnings
• Optional OmniMast360™ safety module
• Blue warning spot
• Strobe light with twelve patterns
• Carbon fibre safety mast
• Easily accessible for daily maintenance
• Support via specialised dealers and integrators

Technical data

Specification	DR SW90 VAC 4.0
Machine type	Autonomous industrial sweeping robot
Cleaning principle	Mechanical sweeping with active dust extraction
Application	Industrial indoor environments
Theoretical capacity	Up to approximately 1,000 m²/h
Total sweeping width	Up to approximately 950 mm
Base construction width	Approximately 800 mm
Machine length	Approximately 1,000 mm
Machine height	From approximately 355 mm, depending on configuration
Minimum passage Narrow Aisle Mode	From approximately 1,180 mm
Hopper capacity	Approximately 30 litres
Weight	Approximately 64 kg, depending on configuration
System voltage	36,8 V
Battery type	Lithium battery
Maximum operating time	Up to approximately 3.5 hours with active extraction
Charging time	Approximately 3.5 hours
Automatic charging function	Yes
Charging technology	Integrated charging module produced in Europe
Charging module housing	Heavy-duty metal
Navigation	LiDAR-based localisation and route planning
Narrow Aisle Mode	Yes
Navigation with reference markers	Yes
Automatic docking	Yes, improved in version 4.0
Obstacle detection	LiDAR and additional sensor technology
Connectivity	Wi-Fi; additional mobile connection depending on configuration
Filter system	High-quality filters for fine industrial dust
Air handling	DR-developed air recirculation system
Filter access	Quickly accessible for maintenance
Brushes	Interchangeable; different versions available
CPU cooling	Milled aluminium heat sink
Active cooling	Extra-large fan
Design temperature	Up to 45 °C ambient temperature
Spoken warnings	ProxiVoice™
Visual safety option	OmniMast360™
Warning spot	Blue floor projection
Strobe	Twelve selectable patterns
Safety mast material	Real carbon fibre
OmniMast360™ mounting	One connector and one quick-release clamp
Removal/fitting time	Approximately 15 seconds
Daily maintenance	Approximately 5 minutes, depending on use
Conformity	CE, in accordance with the delivered configuration and documentation
Development and assembly	DR Reinigingstechniek, Belgium
Manufacturer’s address	Venlosesteenweg 23A, 3640 Ophoven, Belgium

Suitable for

• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Narrow aisles between warehouse racking
• Production and factory halls
• Logistics buildings
• Technical workshops
• Dusty industrial indoor environments
• Floors under low racking
• Zones under machines and installations
• Areas with forklift traffic
• Daily autonomous maintenance cleaning
• Long recurring cleaning routes
• Sites where spoken warnings are desired
• Environments where increased visual recognisability is required

Developed and built in Belgium

The DR SW90 VAC 4.0 is not a fully finished robot that is merely given a different logo.

To produce the machine competitively, the sheet-steel base frame is manufactured externally in Asia. This frame forms only the mechanical basis on which DR builds the complete SW90.

In Belgium, the following are developed, integrated, built, configured and tested, among others:

• The software stack
• The autonomous navigation
• The Narrow Aisle Mode
• The navigation with reference markers
• The charging and docking software
• The electrical installation
• The European charging technology
• The dust extraction system
• The filter system
• The DR-developed air recirculation system
• The CPU cooling
• The milled aluminium sensor mounts
• The brush configurations
• The ProxiVoice™ module
• The OmniMast360™ safety module
• The customer-specific configuration
• The final inspection and practical test

In this way the SW90 combines a cost-efficient externally manufactured sheet-metal frame with European development, local assembly and continuous improvement based on real industrial experience.

Professional implementation and support

The SW90 is supplied and implemented via DR and a network of specialised dealers and integrators.

A professional implementation may consist of:

• Site analysis
• Checking passages and safety zones
• Building the digital map
• Setting up cleaning routes
• Positioning the charging station
• Setting up reference markers
• Configuring Narrow Aisle Mode
• Setting up spoken warnings
• Training operators and technical staff
• Maintenance instructions
• Periodic inspection and optimisation