Frequently asked questions about robots
An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is a type of robot capable of moving independently in a physical environment using sensors, cameras, lasers, and artificial intelligence algorithms to interpret its surroundings, plan routes, and make real-time decisions, without the need for physical guides such as rails or magnetic tapes.
A mobile manipulator robot is a type of robot that combines the object-handling capabilities of a robotic arm with the mobility of a mobile platform, moving from one place to another while performing manipulation tasks such as transporting, placing objects, or carrying out different operations depending on the end-effector it is equipped with (e.g., sanding, screwing, or metrology).
An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is a transport robot that follows predefined routes using physical guides, beacons, or tapes. It provides automation for repetitive movements but with less flexibility than an AMR, which navigates autonomously.
An industrial robot is a programmable, multifunctional, and automatic machine used in industrial environments to automate repetitive or heavy tasks. Industrial robots can be fixed or mobile and usually operate precisely within a restricted area for operator safety.
Outdoor mobile robotics allows autonomous robots to move in outdoor environments (open, dynamic, and unstructured) across different types of terrain using GPS/RTK, SLAM, and sensors to localize themselves, avoid obstacles, and perform tasks in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, inspection, or construction.
Artificial Intelligence in robotics gives robots greater ability to learn, reason, and adapt instead of being limited to executing preprogrammed instructions. Thanks to AI, they can plan optimal routes and adapt in real time to changes, something essential for AMRs operating in dynamic environments.
The use of mobile robots and mobile manipulators promotes the flexible and autonomous industrial automation needed to create Smart Factories, where the main challenge is to produce more, with greater safety, at lower cost, and with the highest quality. Robotnik facilitates the integration of robots in both large industries and SMEs.
Robots are programmed with languages that define their behavior and tasks, with C/C++, Python, or Matlab being among the most widely used. In simulation and middleware environments, particularly in mobile robotics, the reference framework is ROS (Robot Operating System), an open-source platform for developing robotic applications.
Inspection robots are equipped with specific sensors and cameras to monitor infrastructures, facilities, or environments autonomously. They help detect and prevent failures, collect data, identify risk conditions, and improve safety in sectors such as energy, oil and gas, industry, or construction.
R&D robotics focuses on the use of robots as research and experimentation platforms, allowing universities, technology centers, and companies to test new technologies, algorithms, and applications in real or simulated environments.