Overview

Obstacle tools allow you to define areas the FieldPrinter should avoid while navigating and printing. Obstacles do not change the layout geometry; they only control robot movement. Line obstacles, circumference (circular) obstacles, and square obstacles are commonly used to protect columns, openings, equipment, or areas that are not ready.

Symptoms / What You’ll See

• The robot attempts to drive through columns, openings, or staged materials.
• You need to block robot travel without modifying the layout file.
• Certain areas of the slab are not safe or accessible for printing.

Why This Happens

• The FieldPrinter plans paths based on printable geometry unless restricted.
• Temporary site conditions often require blocking movement without changing layout intent.
• Obstacle tools provide a fast, reversible way to guide robot behavior.

How to Fix or Prevent

Create a Line Obstacle

1. Open the Obstacle tools
   • On the tablet, open the Tools menu.
2. Select Line Obstacle
   • Choose the option to create a line-based obstacle.
3. Draw the line obstacle
   • Tap to place the start point.
   • Drag or tap to place the end point, creating a straight barrier.
   • The robot will not cross this line during navigation.
4. Confirm placement
   • Verify the line fully blocks the intended path.

Use a Preloaded Circumference (Circular) Obstacle

1. Open the Obstacle tools
   • Access the obstacle creation menu on the tablet.
2. Select a Circumference Obstacle
   • Choose one of the preloaded circular obstacle sizes.
3. Place the reflector at the center of the obstruction
   • Place the reflector at the center, or as close to the center as possible, of the object you want to protect (for example, a column or penetration).
   • This ensures the obstacle is centered correctly around the obstruction.
4. Record the obstacle location
   • With the reflector in position, record the obstacle so the system captures the center point accurately.
5. Verify clearance
   • Confirm the circumference fully encloses the obstruction with sufficient buffer.

Use a Square Obstacle

1. Open the Obstacle tools
   • Navigate to the obstacle creation menu.
2. Select Square Obstacle
   • Choose the square obstacle option.
3. Place the square obstacle
   • Tap to position the square over the area to be avoided.
   • Adjust placement so the entire obstruction is contained.
4. Confirm coverage
   • Ensure the square fully blocks the intended area.

Best Practices

• Use obstacles for robot navigation only. They do not remove or alter layout lines.
• Fully enclose objects so the robot does not attempt to clip corners.
• Keep obstacles simple. Overlapping or excessive obstacles can reduce efficiency.
• Remove obstacles when conditions change to avoid unintentionally skipping areas.
• Obstacles will not fix stationing or control issues.