What are the different types of robots? In the midst of the wide range of mobile robotics available on the market, the question arises as to which is the optimal robot to implement in each company and specific application.
Don’t think about the robot, think about your needs.
Below you can read a simple classification with the 5 strong points of 5 autonomous mobile robots from Robotnik.
5 TYPES OF ROBOTS
In the age of automation and artificial intelligence, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are becoming important drivers for industrial advancement. These robotic devices, equipped with autonomous navigation and operation skills, efficiently execute tasks in a wide variety of sectors, from warehouses to critical infrastructure. Streamlining operational processes, ensuring safety and improving precision is the goal of Robotnik’s robots.
This article presents 5 of Robotnik’s most promising autonomous mobile robots. Read about the competitive advantages of each of them, differentiate between them at a glance and find out which one is best suited to your application.
The following mobile robots have different payload capacities, autonomy, functionalities and components and are also classified depending on whether the user needs to automate tasks in indoor or outdoor environments.
INDOOR MOBILE ROBOTS
There is some indecision about what are the different types of robots available for indoor environments as the choice is far superior to outdoor mobile robots.
Designed specifically for working in indoor spaces such as factories and warehouses, these robots offer a range of functions from transporting loads to safely collaborating with humans in the same working environment. Equipped with advanced autonomous navigation and obstacle detection technologies, indoor mobile robots can optimize workflows, reduce downtime and increase operational efficiency. Their ability to adapt to different environments and their versatility in performing tasks make them a key player in the evolution towards automation of indoor workspaces.
RB-THERON
The RB-THERON mobile robot is an indoor autonomous transport robot designed primarily for logistics within indoor industrial environments such as factories and warehouses. It is engineered for safe and efficient load transportation, with a keen emphasis on human safety and adaptability.
Strong points:
- Safety: Designed to work safely alongside humans with lasers and safety PLC that ensure obstacle detection.
- Versatility: Capable of transporting a variety of items, from shelves to trolleys.
- Software strength: Built on ROS, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications and further customizations.
- Application-specific configuration: Standard packages for localization and navigation can be custom-configured per application needs
- Modularity: Specific lasers, cameras or other sensors can be integrated in the manufacturing process. This enables a complete Hardware, Electronic and Software integration.
RB-ROBOUT
A mobile robot for transporting heavy loads.
The RB-ROBOUT mobile robot offers an efficient solution for moving loads up to 1 tonne in indoor industrial environments, such as factories or warehouses. With a sleek, ergonomic mouse design, it has a low height and compact profile, making it perfect for maneuvering material trolleys and transporting loads directly on its platform. Made from durable steel, it is made for durability, while its dolly is equipped with omni-directional kinematics driven by four high-powered wheels, ensuring robust performance.
Strong points:
- Safety: Enabled with safety lasers, the robot embodies a collaborative robot capable of seamlessly coexisting with operators in the workspace. Through intelligent obstacle detection, it navigates with agility, seeking alternative routes and optimizing trajectories to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Navigation: This robotic platform has navigation capability with different localisation techniques, such as SLAM for map-based navigation and philoguided for higher precision tasks. It is possible to switch between navigation modes within a single installation, ensuring optimal performance in various operational scenarios.
- Versatility: Adapted to various tasks, the AMR features a variety of optional components and accessories. From roller conveyors and conveyor belts to load lifts and pallet or crate supports, it adapts effortlessly to specific operational requirements.
- Software: Built on a ROS-based architecture, the RB-ROBOUT's software facilitates seamless integration with diverse applications. Its user-friendly interface simplifies system management, ensuring accessibility to users of all levels.
RB-KAIROS+
RB-KAIROS+ is an effortless plug & play mobile manipulator with a complete integration with Universal Robots e-Series arms. By converting the robotic arm into a dynamic mobile unit, it broadens the operational workspace, allowing for actions on larger components and streamlining pick & place operations over wider areas.
Strong Points:
- Integration: Ready for the OEM DC e-series arm, allowing turnkey transition into a mobile manipulator by keeping the programmation easy with the URCap.
- Mobility: Features omnidirectional movement with 4 high-powered drive wheels. Navigates autonomously with a host of sensors and components from the UR+ ecosystem.
- Collaboration: Designed with human-robot collaboration in mind, it can coexist safely with operators, due to the safety laser scanners.
- Applications: Versatile in handling tasks such as pick&place, part feeding, metrology, quality control, operations on sizable parts, packaging, cleaning, polishing, screwing, and drilling. Boosting productivity is inherent.
- Durability & Capacity: Robust steel design and load capacity of up to 250 kg on the platform and 12.5 kg on the UR10e arm.
- Certification: Proudly a UR+ certified product.
OUTDOOR MOBILE ROBOTS
Choosing the robots for operating in outdoor environments is somewhat easier as there is not as much variety of robots on the market that are really robust for this purpose.
Outdoor mobile robots are designed to operate in diverse terrains such as agricultural fields, industrial zones or urban areas, offering a wide range of applications, from last mile delivery to autonomous surveillance and patrolling. Equipped with advanced navigation systems, such as GPS and obstacle detection sensors, these robots can efficiently navigate uneven terrain and adverse weather conditions. Their ability to adapt to changing environments and perform complex tasks autonomously makes them indispensable tools for improving safety and efficiency in outdoor spaces.
RB-VOGUI
The RB-VOGUI mobile robot is an autonomous transport platform designed primarily for outdoor logistics within sectors like R&D, agriculture, security, and more, excelling in tasks such as last-mile delivery. It is engineered for versatile mobility across various terrains, with a modular base that operates well indoors but especially outdoors. The RB-VOGUI line offers manipulation capabilities with the RB-VOGUI+ model or enhanced load transportation up to 200 kg with the RB-VOGUI XL version.
Strong points:
- Versatile mobility: Capable of navigating both indoor and outdoor environments with a special emphasis on all-terrain outdoor mobility. Different kinematic configurations including omnidirectional or skid steering.
- Application diversity: Suitable for a wide range of sectors such as R&D, agriculture, security, and logistics. Facilitates various applications like last-mile delivery, demonstrating its capability in addressing different operational needs
- Autonomous navigation: Featured to proficiently avoid obstacles, ensuring safe and efficient operations; both indoor(2D, 3D laser scanners) or outdoor (GPS).
- Collaborative Operation: Designed with robustness and collaboration in mind, enabling smooth operation alongside human counterparts in a shared environment.
- Load capacity: Significant load capacity of 200 kg in the RB-VOGUI XL version, catering to substantial load transportation requirements.
RB-WATCHER
What types of robots are there as a real solution for automating security, surveillance or inspection tasks? RB-WATCHER is one of the few. This mobile robot engineered for precise, reliable surveillance and security tasks, adept in varying conditions. It autonomously conducts patrols, detects objects, persons, or fires, and relays real-time data to a control center for prompt decision-making across industries.
Strong points:
- Autonomous operation: This surveillance robot can operate autonomously, which minimizes the need for human intervention and potentially increases operational efficiency and consistency in surveillance and security tasks.
- Adaptability: With its capability to perform efficiently even in challenging or changing environments, it's adaptable to a variety of operational conditions which makes it versatile across different industries.
- Multi-Functional surveillance: Its ability to perform various surveillance tasks such as patrolling, object and person detection, or fire detection, makes it a multi-functional asset for surveillance and security operations.
- Robusts sensor suite: The inspection and navigation sensorization, including a bi-spectral camera, front camera, RTK GPS, and microphone, provide a comprehensive and robust sensor suite for thorough inspection and accurate navigation.
- Cross-Industry application: The robot’s functionality is not limited to a specific industry, making it a versatile choice for different types of businesses needing surveillance and security solutions.
From flexibility in dynamic environments to close collaboration with humans, these AMR are paving the way to a future where autonomous mobility will play a key role in improving productivity and optimizing processes.
CONCLUSION
The world of robots is vast and ever-evolving. By understanding the different types available and their strengths, you can make informed decisions about automating your tasks and optimizing your operations. Remember, the right robot can be a powerful partner in driving efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
COOMING SOON:
Exploring Robotnik’s Mobile Manipulators.
In an upcoming article, we’ll delve deeper into Robotnik’s mobile manipulators, highlighting their unique strengths and potential applications.
FAQs about robotics
It should have robust navigation systems, resistance to adverse weather conditions and the ability to overcome uneven terrain.
It is evaluated for its resistance to environmental conditions, its ability to avoid obstacles and its durability in outdoor environments.
It is crucial to consider the specific application, the robot’s adaptability to the environment and the ability to meet operational needs.
