GuardCom Top Rollers: Advanced Sensor‑Enabled Automation for Mobile Robots

ROEQ, a Danish manufacturer of mobile robotic equipment distributed in the U.S. by Hartfiel Automation (Eden Prairie, Minn.), has launched the GuardCom line of top rollers—conveyors mounted on mobile robots. Unlike existing solutions that rely on Wi‑Fi, GuardCom uses high‑speed sensors to provide instant, reliable communication between the robot and the conveyor.

GuardCom incorporates a liftable physical guard that rises to prevent packages from rolling off, enhancing safety and reducing manual intervention.

In addition, GuardCom offers height‑adjustable top rollers for Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) models—MiR250, MiR500, and MiR1000—addressing the common challenge of Wi‑Fi instability in material‑handling environments. The system’s design eliminates network interruptions that can otherwise cause costly errors and downtime.

ROEQ’s solution consists of two integrated components: GuardCom, installed on the stationary conveyor, and GuardCom Connect, mounted on the autonomous mobile robot. Multiple GuardCom Connect units can operate with a single GuardCom—and vice versa—making the system scalable and flexible. It is fully compatible with all stationary conveyor stations, replacing third‑party wireless devices.

GuardCom uses sensors for instant communication. When a mobile robot arrives, the GuardCom signals the station that the robot is ready to receive or deliver packages, and the robot receives the same signal confirming the conveyor’s readiness. Upon completion, both units receive a signal that it is safe for the robot to depart.

The GuardCom system connects to the stationary conveyor via wired cables, while the handshake between GuardCom and the robot is wireless. A physical guard rises to keep packages secure; an alarm alerts operators if a package is misplaced, and the conveyor can automatically roll backwards to correct the issue.

GuardCom uses sensors for instant communication.

ROEQ also introduced the TR500 Auto and TR1000 Auto top‑roller modules, featuring automatic lifting mechanisms that enable MiR500 and MiR1000 robots—capable of 1100‑ and 2200‑lb payloads—to pick up and deliver goods at varying heights without human intervention. The modules automatically adjust within a height range of 19.7 to 31.5 inches (stroke 9.8 inches).

ROEQ’s auto top roller modules feature automatic lifting mechanisms.