Partnerships are adding capabilities to existing autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs. Businesses deploying the OMRON LD-250 AMR can dramatically increase payload without having to invest in a larger, more expensive robot. ROEQ said its new TMC500 top module and Cart500 not only doubles the LD-250's payload, but it also provides a standardized, safe, and flexible solution for internal logistics tasks.
“This exciting new relationship with ROEQ gives our customers access to fast and cost-effective options for their toughest mobile automation initiatives,” stated Kyle Hable, group product manager, at OMRON Robotics and Safety Technologies Inc.
“OMRON customers around the world depend on our mobile robots for their flexibility, reliable performance, and best-in-class fleet management,” he added. “ROEQ’s global presence is a perfect match to aid customers with successful autonomous intralogistics solutions.”
LD-250 part of OMRON AMR fleet
OMRON claimed to be an AMR pioneer, having sold its first mobile robot fleet in 2013. That fleet is still in operation today, it said.
Omron Robotics and Safety Technologies was formed in 2019 as a combination of the company's safety and robotics businesses. Pleasanton, Calif.-based Omron Robotics said it offers industrial, collaborative, and mobile robots. It said it also provides sensing technologies to help customers achieve the highest levels of efficiency and safety possible.
The company said its systems use state-of-the-art software and programming platforms that are both powerful and easy to use. Omron's stated goal is to help build a new manufacturing environment where people and robots can work safely and in harmony.
Released in 2019, the LD-250 is a fast-growing product within its performance class, claimed Omron.
“As a leading-quality global brand of AMRs, OMRON is a natural partner for us,” said Michael Ejstrup Hansen, managing director at ROEQ. “We developed the cart solution for the LD-250 due to its flexible use and the clear benefits that it adds in both automotive manufacturing, digital and semiconductor industries, food and consumables, warehouse and logistics, and medical verticals.”
ROEQ TMC500 includes features for ease of use
Founded in 2017, ROEQ develops off-the-shelf mobile robotic equipment (MRE) for AMRs for internal logistics workflows, such as that between storage and production. The Vissenbjerg, Denmark-based company develops, manufactures, and sells its products in nearly 40 countries through more than 100 distributors.
ROEQ said its range of top modules, cart, rack, lifter, and roller products enable AMRs to safely and reliably transport and transfer loads between workstations with no human involvement. Businesses in the manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors use ROEQ equipment.
The ROEQ TMC500 consists of a top module and the ROEQ Cart500. The system is versatile, said the company, with free-space pickup and mounting holes on the Cart500 for attaching crates and shelves on top of the cart.
In addition, the robot can dock to the cart from both ends for greater logistics efficiency. It give easy access to the emergency stop button for cargo up to 120 cm (47.2 in.).
The TMC500 comes with software for easy and consistent setup, enabling a seamless integration between the ROEQ system and the OMRON LD-250, said the partners. The software includes ROEQ Assist and safety zone definitions, and it works with the OMRON operating panel.
“With this new product offering and partnership, we look forward to providing OMRON customers with a powerful and cost-effective solution,” said Hansen. He added that the ROEQ MRE enables compact AMR models to transport heavier loads while maintaining maneuverability, even in narrow spaces.
The companies said they expect the ROEQ TMC500 system for the OMRON LD-250 to be available by the end of 2022.