Industrial robots have been experiencing a surge in use throughout the manufacturing sector, with market predictions looking positive.
Examples of these predictions already being borne out can be found in the reported successes of companies like Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), which recently released a statement declaring a 500 percent growth in sales in 2016, with over 200 MiR100 logistics robots and accessories installed in facilities across 30 countries.
The MiR100 is a mobile robot designed for moving materials inside facilities, eliminating the need for factory floor personnel to push carts and make deliveries.
The robot can transport up to 100kg (220 lbs.) and can be mounted with customized top modules, including bins, racks, lifts, conveyors or collaborative robot arms.
The MiR100 can maneuver through facilities using CAD files of the building, which can be downloaded into the robot. The robot’s mission paths can be changed with smartphones, tablets and computers connected to it’s network.
Built-in sensors and cameras can be used to identify surroundings and avoid obstacles not defined on downloaded maps, like people.
MiR recently established regional offices in New York and Shanghai, while also tripling the size of its Denmark headquarters.
The positive news is soon to be followed by the release of a new product from MiR, to be launched in Chicago on April 3rd at Automate 2017. The company expects its new product will help triple sales increases in 2017, with the combined activities of MiR’s 73 distributors across the globe.
“The requirements for automating internal transportation increased substantially this year, and companies need to be able to implement these technologies quickly and easily, to see a fast return on their investment,” said Thomas Visti, MiR CEO. “That’s why we’re focused on flexibility and smart, intuitive interaction so customers can effortlessly collaborate with our technologies, without changing their existing environment.”
Since first opening its New York office in 2016, the company has gained commitments from 19 North American distributors. Each of these distributors has demonstration robots on-site and has been fully trained in beginning, intermediate and advanced programming.
“In just 10 months, we’ve gone from zero presence in North America to having sold significant numbers of robots into a broad range of industries that includes automotive, electronics, aerospace, consumer goods, food products and more,” said robotic sales executive Ed Mullen. “Having this kind of success so quickly with a new technology just demonstrates the immediate recognition of the value of our mobile autonomous robots.”
MiR customers include Boeing, Unilever, HUGO BOSS, Honeywell, Continental, Flex, Danone, Kamstrup and Assa Abloy, amongst others.
For more information, visit the MiR website.