MLS Magnetic Line Guidance Sensor – High Stability in Industrial Environments

Overview:

• Application: Detection of magnetic lines for guidance
• MLS is a magnetic line guidance sensor for navigating Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Guided Carts (AGCs)
• Navigation is performed by aligning the sensor to the center of the magnetic lane
• Sensor reliably differentiates up to 3 lanes simultaneously
• Aluminum housing
• Easy installation: Slim housing design
• Easy commissioning, quick configuration

MLS SICK Sensor Overview

MLS (Magnetic Line Sensor) is a specialized magnetic line guidance sensor from SICK, designed to navigate AGVs/AGCs in industrial environments. The sensor operates by aligning the vehicle’s position with the center of a magnetic tape applied to the floor. With the ability to differentiate up to 3 lanes simultaneously, MLS enables vehicles to maneuver through branches and lane junctions flexibly. The product is widely used in automated logistics systems, smart warehouses, and production lines in Vietnam.

Key Specifications:

• Measuring range: 200mm, 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm
• Resolution: 1mm, Repeatability: 1mm
• Enclosure rating: IP65, IP67, IP68
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C
• Communication: CANopen, Modbus RTU RS-485

MLS Technical Specifications

Performance & Communication

Mechanical & Environmental

Dimensions

Wiring Diagram

Industrial Applications of MLS

With high accuracy and stable operation in harsh environments, MLS is suitable for numerous applications in Vietnamese factories and warehouses:

• AGV/AGC in logistics warehouses: MLS provides precise guidance for automated vehicles moving on magnetic tape, with 1mm resolution ensuring the vehicle stays on track. The ability to differentiate 3 lanes enables automatic turning at intersections without additional sensors. IP67 rating protects against dust and water, suitable for warehouse environments.
• Automated production lines: Controls mobile robots between workstations. Integrated 3-axis IMU provides inclination data (Roll, Pitch, Yaw) to stabilize vehicle movement. CANopen/Modbus communication interfaces are compatible with most industrial PLCs.
• Precise positioning: With 1mm repeatability, MLS is ideal for applications requiring precise positioning such as stopping at load/unload stations or aligning position before performing tasks. Command marks (STOP, MERGE, SPEED CHANGE) can be placed next to the lane to send control commands.

MLS Model Comparison

*Note: Select the detection range according to your AGV’s mounting height. If the vehicle has low ground clearance (10-30mm), choose MLS-200 or MLS-300. If the vehicle has higher clearance (40-70mm), choose MLS-400 through MLS-600 to ensure stable detection.

MLS Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the MLS sensor cost?

The price of MLS varies according to detection range (200–600mm) and communication protocol (CANopen or Modbus). Additionally, costs include separate connection cables and initial configuration. Contact AUMI via hotline 0917 991 589 or email [email protected] for an accurate price quote by part number.

2. Where to buy genuine MLS sensors?

AUMI is an officially authorized distributor of SICK in Vietnam, committed to 100% brand-new, factory-sealed products, full 12-month warranty, and direct technical support. Contact us via hotline 0917 991 589 or visit aumi.com.vn.

3. What industries use the MLS sensor?

MLS sensors are high-speed magnetic guidance solutions designed to detect and measure lateral position relative to a magnetic tape, optimized for:

• AGVs and AGCs (Automated Guided Vehicles): Used for magnetic track detection and guidance control, enabling reliable line following, precise steering correction, turning, and docking at transfer or charging stations.
• Logistics and automated warehouses: Supporting guided navigation of material handling vehicles along magnetic paths for repeatable routing in warehouses, distribution centers, and intralogistics systems.
• Production lines and conveyor transfer systems: Providing magnetic line guidance for automated carts, monorail carriers, and transfer vehicles used in assembly and material flow applications.
• Industrial mobile robots (AGVs/AMRs with magnetic navigation): Supporting path tracking, lateral deviation correction, and stable navigation based on floor-mounted magnetic tape guidance.

4. Which communication protocols does MLS support, and is the terminator resistor important?

MLS supports CANopen and Modbus RTU RS-485. The 120-ohm terminator resistor is very important, especially when connecting multiple devices on a CAN network. SICK offers both variants: with internal terminator (MLSE-xxxA2TP0) and without (MLSE-xxxA2NP0) to suit end-of-line or mid-line network positions.

5. How to choose between MLS-200 and MLS-600?

The choice between MLS-200 and MLS-600 depends entirely on the actual installation gap (clearance between the sensor and the reference surface – typically the floor or guide rail):

AUMI – Official SICK Distributor in Vietnam. Full official warranty, complete CO/CQ, 24/7 technical support.

📞 Hotline: 0917 991 589 (Hanoi) | 0932 226 100 (Ho Chi Minh City)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://aumi.com.vn/

📍 AUMI Office Addresses:

• Hanoi: B44, Villa Lot, Viet Hung Urban Area, Long Bien
• Ho Chi Minh City: 2nd Floor, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh, Tan Binh District
• Da Nang: 9th Floor, PV Bank Building, No. 2 30-4 Street, Hoa Cuong Ward, Da Nang City, Vietnam

🔗 Official Datasheet
🔗 View all SICK products at AUMI
🔗 Explore other SICK sensor series