Mobile Robots Navigate Complex and Dynamic Environments
AMRs offers the flexibility of free space pick-up and drop-off, adapting to almost any workplace scenario.
Posted: November 3, 2023
Autonomous mobile robots handle high payloads and create flexible navigation within your shop; not to mention bolstering safer work environments.
ABB Announces Rebrand of its Autonomous Mobile Robot Portfolio
ABB (Auburn Hills, MI) has launched its first range of rebranded Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) following its acquisition of mobile robot leader ASTI Mobile Robotics in 2021. Since adding AMRs to its portfolio, ABB is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated offering of robots, AMRs and machine automation solutions.
Now grouped under the Flexley™ name, which indicates the flexibility of operations that the AMRs offer, the first models to be released are the Flexley Tug and Flexley Mover. They cover applications including towing, trolley transportation up-to 2,000 kg, as well as lifting and transporting racks, containers, and pallets of 1,500 kg.
Building on ASTI’s use of laser scanner-based 2D SLAM navigation, the future ABB autonomous mobile robots will also benefit from pioneering VSLAM technology of Sevensense Robotics — a Swiss start-up in ABB’s portfolio of partner companies — that enables mobile robots to navigate complex and dynamic environments. This unique technology opens new possibilities for flexible manufacturing — AI that makes ABB’s AMRs as autonomous as its robotic arms, while making work more productive and safer for people.
Higher Intelligence for AGV Use
Within the past few years, the number of Fastems Group’s (West Chester, OH) CNC automation solutions utilizing automated guided vehicles (AGV) or autonomous mobile robots (AMR) has multiplied, and the demand keeps rising. Most typical AGV applications include material intralogistics, delivering tools to machines, and moving machining pallets between production process phases. The common goal of all the AGV projects is timely, safe, and economical transfers of production items and Fastems is actively developing ways to utilize these technologies efficiently with CNC automation.
Fastems’ Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) brings higher intelligence for AGV use by overseeing all production orders and resources and scheduling every piece of this complex puzzle for timely customer deliveries. In practice, MMS schedules production based on customer orders and available production resources such as machine tools, cutting tools and raw materials then prompts the AGV’s fleet management software to perform the right transfers at the right time.
Safe Cart System for OMRON LD-90x AMB
ROEQ (Vissenberg, Denmark), a leader in mobile robotic equipment, continues its product line expansion, turning AMRs into powerful, flexible, multi-tasking workers. The ROEQ TMC130 solution is a top module and cart system for the OMRON LD-90x that increases payload from 90 kg (198 lb.) up to 130 kg (287 lb.). Developed in collaboration with OMRON, the TMC130 solution expands options for customers to safely and reliably use the compact LD-90x robot for higher payload missions, even where space is constrained.
The new product joins its ‘big brother’ the ROEQ TMC500, which doubles the payload capacity of the OMRON LD-250 robots. The TMC130 can dock to the cart from both ends and offers the flexibility of free space pick-up and drop-off, making it easy to adapt to almost any workplace needs. It includes mounting holes for accessories such as light towers and the ROEQ Cart130, allows easy adaptation for crates and shelving. As with all ROEQ solutions, the TMC130 system is designed to comply with relevant safety standards, and it comes with ROEQ Assist software for easy and consistent setup with the OMRON mobile robot.
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