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Tag: Autonomous Mobile Robot

AMR Innovator Joins Open Source Robotics Alliance

Posted on by David Priestman

Seegrid Corporation, manufacturer of autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions for palletized material handling in the US, today announced its membership in the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA), an initiative of the Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF). Through this partnership, Seegrid will contribute its industry-leading expertise through its active involvement in the open-source robotics community. The company joins a vibrant network of innovators, collectively driving open-source development for the betterment of the global robotics landscape.

As part of the OSRA, Seegrid will actively support initiatives that foster collaboration and shared knowledge across the robotics field. The company aims to participate in key OSRF activities, including the renowned ROSCon event, as well as on-line communities such as GitHub and ROS Discourse.

“Joining OSRA is an opportunity for us to more fully participate in the open-source robotics community, to share our insights and learn from a community that thrives on collaboration and innovation,” said Tom Panzarella, Chief Technology Officer of Seegrid. “By contributing to the open-source robotics ecosystem, we hope to help push the community forward, enhancing the capabilities of autonomous systems across industries. Together with other OSRA members, we believe we can further harden and improve the accessibility of advanced technology for all.”

This partnership reflects Seegrid’s commitment to promoting open development that benefits the entire community, not just individual organizations. With the company’s extensive experience in AMRs, Seegrid hopes to play an active role in advancing the collaborative development efforts that make open-source platforms like ROS 2 vital contributors to technological progress.

Vanessa Yamzon Orsi, CEO of the Open Source Robotics Foundation, commented, “We are excited to welcome Seegrid to the OSRA. Their expertise in AMRs brings significant value to our shared mission of advancing open-source robotics technology. Seegrid’s contributions will help enhance the collective development efforts that our members bring to the table, further advancing open innovation across the industry.”

By joining OSRA, Seegrid also aims to inspire a new generation of autonomous engineers, enabling knowledge-sharing across sectors and fueling the continued growth of open-source projects. This partnership will empower organizations of all sizes to benefit from collaborative progress in the field, contributing to a future where autonomous robotics technology is more accessible, sustainable, and adaptable.

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Self-Driving Vehicle Innovator in Multi-Product Launch

 

Added value thanks to Autonomous Logistics Bot

Posted on by David Priestman

The autonomous GESSbot Gb 350 from Gessmann sets new standards in intralogistics by optimising production processes through advanced automation. This autonomous mobile robot takes over human tasks, ensuring faster and more precise operations. Gessmann prioritises not only the seamless integration of machines, production lines, and storage systems but also the smooth interaction between people and machines.

New benchmarks

Automated Guided Vehicles are versatile in intralogistics, but these systems often rely on physically marked routes. The GESSbot Gb 350 stands out as it requires neither magnetic tracks nor complex environmental adaptations. Instead, this autonomous mobile robot (AMR) navigates precisely along the desired routes using LiDAR sensors and a digital map. This makes its behaviour predictable for people around it. It can adapt flexibly to new conditions, recognise and avoid obstacles, and transport loads of up to 350 kg through both wide and narrow passages. The GESSbot communicates with its surroundings via a sound system, display, and LED indicators. Its user-friendly interface and ‘expressive eyes’ make it an approachable and intuitive counterpart.

With a battery life of up to 12 hours, the GESSbot is typically sufficient for a standard working day. If the battery level drops below a specified limit, the GESSbot automatically searches for the nearest charging station. Thanks to inductive charging stations, such as those at loading and unloading points, it can also recharge during the working day.

Software and customisation

The flexible and efficient GESSbot solutions from Gessmann can be adapted to a wide range of applications. GESSbots can be integrated into various order control systems in the intralogistics sector, whether for simple round trips, connecting to existing systems, or full integration into MES or ERP systems. With the VDA 5050 interface, GESSbots can be managed alongside other autonomous vehicles within a single fleet management software. The software also facilitates the creation and customisation of environment maps and routes, ensuring smooth operations, especially for large fleets. Additionally, lifts, gates, and fire alarm systems can be integrated. The fleetmanager optimises order processing by considering factors like battery charge and distance to the destination. It can be easily operated via pushbuttons or touch displays.

Tailor-made automation solutions

Gessmann offers a broad range of automation solutions, enabling customised robotics for various industries. The GESSbots can be equipped with different attachments, such as shelves, while automated roller conveyors allow for seamless connection to conveyor belts. Collaboration with Techman Robot Inc. has led to innovative solutions featuring collaborative robots (cobots) capable of handling payloads from 5 kg to 35 kg. These cobots, characterised by their intuitive user interface, can be used flexibly with the GESSbot, such as for autonomous machine loading or safe collaboration with humans at assembly workstations.

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Autonomous models for the warehouse

 

 

AMR Solution Provider Opens U.S. Office

Posted on by David Priestman

Robotize, a leading provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for internal pallet transportation, has announced its formal expansion into North America by establishing the company’s first office in the U.S., located in the metro Detroit area, in Michigan.

“North America is an extremely interesting market for us, and we already have several customers and partners in both Canada and the U.S. However, the interest in our unique GoPal® AMR solution is so high that it is a natural next step for us to establish our own presence in North America,” said Anders Pjetursson, Robotize CEO and co-founder.

Heading Robotize’s new U.S. office is Dan Hasley, a robotics and automation veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. “I’m thrilled to be joining Robotize at this exciting time and to lead GoPal® AMR solution sales and Channel Partner development in North America,” said Dan Hasley, Robotize Regional Sales Director, North America.

Robotize helps companies automate their internal pallet transportation by providing autonomous mobile robot solutions to organizations of every size. Our unique GoPal® solution provides the AMRs, infrastructure and fleet management system for fully automated material handling and is a completely certified solution for internal pallet transportation. Robotize is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.

New mid-sized Autonomous Mobile Robot

Posted on by David Priestman

OTTO Motors, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), today unveiled its newest AMR, OTTO 600, the toughest and most nimble AMR in its class. With the launch of OTTO 600, OTTO Motors now offers the most comprehensive autonomous material handling fleet on the market. OTTO 600 unlocks important new workflows with its ability to move pallets, carts and other payloads up to 600 kg (1,322 lb). With an all-metal construction and IP54 rating, OTTO 600 follows the OTTO Motors legacy of AMRs built to deliver results in the most demanding of factory environments.

“In 2015, OTTO 1500 defined the heavy-class AMR category. In 2017, OTTO 100 quickly became responsible for the industry’s largest AMR installations. In 2022, we launched OTTO Lifter, the world’s first truly autonomous forklift. Today, we’re proud to announce OTTO 600, a mid-range AMR offering the perfect balance of strength and agility,” said Matt Rendall, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OTTO Motors. “Powered by our industry-leading autonomous software, OTTO now offers an unmatched material handling portfolio.”

• Manoeuvrable in tight spaces: OTTO 600 offers capabilities of larger AMRs with the manoeuvrability needed to get around in constrained spaces like work cells.
• Durable build for demanding environments: In addition to a rugged, all-metal body, OTTO 600 offers a superior ability to withstand dust and fluids with IP54 construction.
• Fast and safe around people and objects: OTTO 600 works quickly and safely alongside people thanks to advanced sensors and OTTO’s proven autonomy software.
• Versatile to get different jobs done: Capable of moving carts and pallets, as well as connecting islands of automation, OTTO 600 unlocks limitless workflows including lineside delivery, work cell delivery and palletizer to stretch-wrapper transport.
• Key specs:
o 1,322 lb (600 kg) payload capacity
o 4.5 mph (2 m/s) maximum speed
o 1050/700/320 mm footprint
o IP54 rating

OTTO 600 is available through the existing global network of OTTO Motors system integrators and material handling solution providers. OTTO’s award-winning software is used by some of the world’s most recognized brands and Fortune 500 companies.

OTTO’s latest software release, 2.28, delivers faster and safer traffic movement and a new facility configuration interface for quicker workflow set-up. OTTO Motors invests heavily in software development to constantly evolve and deliver the smartest AMR software. This marks the sixth software release in the last three years. The OTTO AMR software-suite is the most proven solution in the industry with over four million hours of production driving experience and is trusted for large-scale deployments by the most reputed brands like Toyota and GE.

“The success of large-scale, deeply integrated deployments depends significantly on effective fleet management, which is why we are continuously evolving our fleet manager. In this software upgrade, we are introducing new traffic management functionality that enables users to create different rules of the road for groups of different OTTO AMRs in the facility, resulting in faster traffic movement and improved safety,” said Jay Judkowitz, VP of Product at OTTO Motors. “As our customers continue to deploy a variety of models from OTTO in complex environments, this is a game changer.”

Software release features include:
• Team-Based Traffic Control: Customers can create traffic zones for specific robot types. For example, operators can specify lanes where larger AMRs cannot enter, ensuring smaller AMRs remain unblocked and are able to keep moving for higher throughput.
• New and intuitive facility configuration interface: Customers can now save up to 50% of the time required to set up facility maps and workflows. It is also easier for customers to use, learn and adapt to the system.
• Interoperability: OTTO Motors was the first AMR vendor to support the well-known AGV standard, VDA5050, empowering customers to manage dissimilar types of material handling solutions from a third-party master controller interface.
• New pallet types: OTTO Lifter now supports BulkPak® 4845 HDMP series bins, enabling customers to move more pallets of their choice.

Since its inception, OTTO Motors has helped customers achieve throughput improvements as high as 600% and return on investment in as little as 11 months in different industry verticals. This launch of OTTO 600 and new software enables OTTO Motors to help manufacturers automate a larger part of their material handling operations and achieve higher ROI. OTTO 600 and the latest software will be showcased in booth #N7537 at PROMAT on March 20-23, 2023 in Chicago IL.

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