For individuals and companies seeking the latest innovations in automation and robotics, the biennial trade fair automatica offers one-stop insight into the latest industrial and service robots, assembly systems, machine-vision systems and components. This year’s event, held in Munich, set new records with more than 46,000 visitors and 890 exhibitors.
The array of robotics at the exhibit gave attendees a glimpse into the future of robotics for a broad range of uses, including service robots such as CLARC, agricultural robots like the SAGA, and robots designed for dirty jobs like SIAR. The event also featured a host of collaborative robots for various industries.
One such cobot packs a big punch in a, comparatively speaking, relatively small package. Mobile Industrial Robots (MIR) unveiled its newest creation, the MiR500 autonomous mobile robot (AMR). Measuring 47.2in × 31.5in × 5.7in—the size of a Euro-pallet—the MiR500 has a lifting capacity of 1,102 pounds. It features specialized pallet lifters and frames for stable handling and transport.
“MiR500 is an extremely robust robot, so it’s perfect in industrial environments,” said Thomas Visti, MIR chief executive officer. “We’ve also incorporated the principles from the MiR100 and MiR200, where flexibility and user-friendliness are key attributes. This means that the MiR500 can be programmed without prior experience. It’s also simple to develop and replace top modules such as pallet lifters, conveyor belts and robot arms, so the robot can be used for different transport purposes.”
MIR’s newest robot is designed to “optimize logistics throughout the entire production chain, from the warehouse to the delivery of goods.” It has the ability to collect, transport and deliver pallets automatically and safely at approximately 4.5 miles per hour, which has the potential to streamline processes and allow workers to focus on more important tasks.
Designed with safety in mind, the robot can navigate safely around people and obstacles, and adheres to the stringent safety standards required for certification. The MiR500 autonomously takes the most efficient, and safest, route thanks to its ability to perceive obstacles in a 360-degree radius. It can even recognize people and vehicles in motion and adjust its route.
As an increasing number of industries seek to enhance their production processes, the transport portion of automation is still somewhat limited.