Automate 2024: MiR to showcase new AMR pallet jack for first time in U.S.

Industrial robot manufacturer Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) recently announced it will showcase its latest autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2024 in booth 1241. The trade show is being held May 6-9 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. Attendance is free.

A3 said this year’s show is the biggest yet, featuring more than 365,000 square feet of exhibit space, over 800 exhibitors, and an expected 30,000 registrants, with learning and networking opportunities. Attendees will be able to see the latest in robotics, machine vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and motion control.

Automate 2024 will include the first U.S. showing of MiR’s new AI-enabled MiR1200 Pallet Jack and a preview of a generative AI-powered version of its MiR Insights analytics software. 

Attendees can also see MiR’s range of AMRs for automating internal logistics in manufacturing and warehouse environments, including the MiR250, MiR600 and MiR1350. MiR will also showcase a mobile collaborative robot (cobot) that integrates a MiR250 AMR with a cobot from sister company Universal Robots, a setup that MiR said can enable the cobots to automatically and safely perform different tasks at different workstations. 

“Not only will Automate visitors be able to see these AMRs in action, but they can experience the robotic collaborations with Universal Robots as well as the latest AI capabilities we’ve been working on,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of MiR. “With experts in AMRs, cobots and AI all in one booth, visitors can find all they need to safely, flexibly and cost-effectively automate a vast majority of their tasks while moving their difficult-to-find employees to more valuable assignments.”

AI provides mobile robot navigation, troubleshooting

With AI pallet detection powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin, the MiR1200 Pallet Jack uses 3D machine vision to identify, pick up, and deliver pallets. First introduced at LogiMat in Germany in March, the MiR1200 Pallet Jack can interoperate with MiR’s deck load AMRs, which the company said makes it ideal for large-scale enterprise customers who typically operate more complex workflows with larger fleets and multiple sites.

MiR said its AMRs can navigate smoothly and safely among people and other transport equipment in dynamic environments, even on busy trade show floors. Sensors, 3D cameras and laser scanning technology ensure 360-degree vision for precise and safe navigation, said the company. 

With new AI-focused advancements to its MiR Insights, the company said its fleet management software can enable fleet owners to not only track and analyze the operations of their robots and obtain actionable insights they can use to improve the robots’ performance, but also more easily find and engage with the data. 

At Automate, MiR will preview upcoming generative AI features to MiR Insights that can enable customers to:

• Interact with MiR knowledge bases, even without knowing the exact data base terms, to find the right information, which can speed up deployment and optimization processes.
• Chat with their data to conduct troubleshooting and optimization activities independently.
• Ask follow-up questions to get tailored answers that can deepen their understanding and inform decision making.

Universal Robots collaboration provides mobile cobot arm

MiR said its open-platform design enables top-mounted modules to be added to its AMRs, which can allow different applications from the same robot. Many of these modules come from MiR partners through the MiR Go program, an ecosystem for AMR applications. 

A mobile cobot from Enabled Robotics, comprising the MiR250 AMR and any collaborative robot arm from Universal Robots, is now MiR Go Approved, meaning it has been tested and approved by MiR and can be purchased directly from MiR. The mobile cobot offers the following:

• Connection between the MiR250 and the Universal Robot’s cobot through a flexible modular platform.
• The ability to adjust the size of the cobot arm to accommodate the required payload. 
• An all-in-one interface, which can enable efficient programming of both the AMR and the cobot arm.

“These new AI features to MiR’s analytic software create another real-world example of our new AI offerings, with MiR Insights leveraging the latest advancements in generative AI on top its data processing capabilities,” said Ujjwal Kumar, president of Teradyne Robotics. “At the combined MiR/UR booth at Automate, attendees can get a first-hand look at these enhancements in action.”

MiR to Sponsor Women Empowerment Breakfast with Teradyne Robotics and Universal Robots

With Teradyne and Universal Robots, MiR is sponsoring the Automate 2024 “Empowerment Forum: Women Leading Change,” May 8, at 7:30 a.m. This event is designed to bring women in the automation industry together to share their experiences and aspirations as well as to build valuable connections and leadership skills. Jane Heffner, MiR VP of sales, Americas, and member of the A3 Robotics board, will introduce the keynote speakers from ABB, 3M, and Analog Devices.

Want to learn more about fleet management? This article was featured in the June 2024 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled “Orchestrating mobile robot fleets for success.”