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Fetch Robotics machines ‘fully conform’ with first safety standard for industrial mobile robots

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Fetch Robotics says it has achieved “full conformance” with R15.08, the first safety standard specifically formulated for industrial mobile robots

Fetch Robotics says its full suite of autonomous mobile robots conforms with ANSI / RIA R15.08, the new safety standard for industrial mobile robots.

This latest milestone ensures that Fetch’s AMRs can be safely utilized in all current use cases throughout warehouses, factories, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.

Released on Dec 25th, 2020 by the RIA (Robotics Industry Association), R15.08 is the new safety standard for industrial mobile robots. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics machines ‘fully conform’ with first safety standard for industrial mobile robots

IAM Robotics launches new mid-size AMR

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IAM Robotics says it is “breaking boundaries” in the midline autonomous mobile robot market with its new robot, ​Bolt​.

Making its debut April 12, 2021 at ​ProMat DX​, Bolt gives you the power to do more in material handling—faster, longer, and farther.

IAM says Bolt is “packed with high-tech features”, is built to thrive in warehouse and manufacturing environments, and can elevate productivity and efficiency to new heights and stands out as an autonomous mobility solution. [Read more…] about IAM Robotics launches new mid-size AMR

Otto Motors’ heavy-class warehouse robots exceed 1 million production hours

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Otto Motors, a leading provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has launched the next generation of its market-leading heavy-class AMR.

The new AMR – Otto 1500 – is designed to autonomously move pallet-scale loads up to 1900 kg (4,189 lbs) through busy factories and warehouses.

With a top speed of two meters per second, Otto 1500 swiftly and safely delivers more payload than any other AMR in its class; making it the most productive AMR on the market. [Read more…] about Otto Motors’ heavy-class warehouse robots exceed 1 million production hours

Ultimation Industries introduces warehouse robots from Nord-Modules

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Ultimation Industries has introduced autonomous mobile robot – also known as warehouse robots – from Nord-Modules. The company says they provide its clients with more flexible material handling solutions. 

They provide more flexible material handling when used in conjunction with Motor-Driven Roller (MDR) and other conveyor systems, according to Ultimation Industries. Ultimation is a woman-owned leader in conveyor technology and automation for over 30 years.

Richard Canny, president of Ultimation Industries, says: “AMRs have become common in large distribution companies such as Amazon and some Fortune 500 companies. [Read more…] about Ultimation Industries introduces warehouse robots from Nord-Modules

TCL implements ‘world’s first’ 5G-enabled autonomous mobile robots from ForwardX

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The Huizhou factory of Chinese multinational electronics company TCL, specializing in surface-mount technology processes, has installed dozens of ForwardX Max 300 Lift Autonomous Mobile Robots to automate the movement of materials across the production facility.

So far, the project has resulted in improved productivity across the production process, less labor dependency for material handling, and a quicker inventory turnover.

The AMRs connect and communicate through a 5G network which was set up as part of TCL’s 5G+ Smart Factory Initiative. [Read more…] about TCL implements ‘world’s first’ 5G-enabled autonomous mobile robots from ForwardX

How are AGVs different from AMRs?

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Automating internal supply chain or logistic flows is always a challenge for both big and small companies. With more and more sophisticated systems, companies are increasingly looking to replace operator dependency and let robots handle the goods transfer activity.

Two automation systems are customer’s go-to option for goods/pallet movement: automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

While AGVs have been around for a long time, drastically increasing their functionality and technology over time, AMRs are gaining traction in recent times. [Read more…] about How are AGVs different from AMRs?

How a top automotive manufacturer went ‘fork free’ to boost productivity and safety

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By Rob Sullivan, president and CEO, AutoGuide Mobile Robots

With forklifts an ongoing contributor to workplace accidents, and skilled operators difficult to find and retain in today’s competitive manufacturing environment, automating material transport is solving both issues.

A few years ago, a top-tier automotive manufacturer wanted to reduce how often employees had to manually lift and move heavy objects, and eliminate the risk of forklift-related injuries.

They understood that they needed safer and more efficient solutions for transporting engines and other materials from assembly to testing within their 40,000 square foot facility. [Read more…] about How a top automotive manufacturer went ‘fork free’ to boost productivity and safety

The business case for autonomous mobile robots in manufacturing

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  • First deployment of OTTO AMRs at scale at an F500 company demonstrates clear benefits in productivity, cost savings, and robustness.
  • Analysis reveals that a single AMR unit represents just 10% of the equivalent human labor cost, 20% of forklift operating costs, 50% of conveyor costs and 66% of AGV costs.

For a number of years now, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have been considered a promising technology for improving the resilience of manufacturing operations. [Read more…] about The business case for autonomous mobile robots in manufacturing

ForwardX launches six new autonomous mobile robots

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ForwardX Robotics has launched six new products under its Max range of autonomous mobile robots: Max 300 Lift Lite, Max 300 Conveyor, Max 600 Conveyor, Max 1200 Standard, Max 1200 Lift, and Max 1200 Conveyor.

All the new robots are built to safely and efficiently automate material handling within production and warehousing facilities. The product launch coincided with ForwardX’s appearance at CeMAT Asia last month, where the new products were on show for visitors to see.

Nicolas Chee, founder and CEO of ForwardX Robotics, says: “At ForwardX, our goal has always been to develop mature solutions that actually deliver real value right now. We understand that the manufacturing industry is a complex one with a variety of circumstances and pain points specific to each manufacturer. [Read more…] about ForwardX launches six new autonomous mobile robots

Five MiR500 AMRs Boost Warehouse Logistics for Novo Nordisk’s Pharmaceutical Plant in China

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Five MiR500 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have improved the warehouse logistics within the Chinese plant for Novo Nordisk, a leading global healthcare company specializing in pharmaceuticals and products to address diabetes and other serious chronic diseases. Previously, the plant used manned forklifts to transport pallets of packaging materials to a series of high bay racks, where a specialized fork truck then lifted and placed the pallets into the racks. The automated solutions from MiR have saved the plant at least 35 hours a week, freeing human workers to focus their skills on higher-value activities.

[Read more…] about Five MiR500 AMRs Boost Warehouse Logistics for Novo Nordisk’s Pharmaceutical Plant in China