
Autonomous mobile robots MiR - optimal intelligent solution for automation of all intralogistics operations
Automation achieved through Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) reveals a huge potential in terms of streamlining and scaling up the operations of business organizations. Self-driving assistants can help increase warehouse capacity, improve the work environment and free up valuable human resources to perform other tasks. MiR robots from the world leader Mobile Industrial Robots are the proven solution for optimizing logistics activities in manufacturing, which through its technological capabilities and broad functionality is able to influence the development trends and spread of automation in the coming years on a global scale.
The military conflicts, energy crisis and the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic that have emerged in recent years have caused growing uncertainty about the development of the social economy in different countries. This uncertainty has forced many companies to postpone their investment plans and automation projects. However, it is now noticeable that companies active in, for example, the logistics, electronics and automotive industries, as well as in the manufacturing sector in general, are showing a growing tendency to resume their investment practices and the level is expected to gradually return to normal.
Developments in technology and prospects for greater stability are boosting demand for new logistics solutions for industrial automation. More and more companies are investing time and money in logistics solutions to help them remain competitive in their chosen field. According to the Global Industrial Robotics Survey 2022, a number of companies are willing to allocate up to 25% of their budget to automation systems over the next five years.
Shortage of manpower requires the integration of automated solutions
While markets are starting to stabilise a little and manufacturing is gradually regaining its pre-pandemic levels, companies still face one major challenge they need to address, namely the ongoing shortage of skilled labour.
Through automated technologies, manufacturing companies can ensure optimal allocation of resources and free up their skilled employees for more complex tasks. In addition, it can also be pointed out that robots actually improve the working environment by taking over routine and monotonous tasks often less conducive to human performance.
Employee involvement in robot integration is crucial
Although more and more companies are investing in autonomous mobile robots or other forms of automated technology, the idea of robots serving alongside humans is not always particularly welcomed by staff. Many employees are beginning to feel insecure about their own capabilities, and one of the key tasks facing businesses is to allay these fears. In fact, it's perfectly safe, easy and intuitive for employees to take control of robots, they just need to be empowered to do so.
When automating production, it is essential to involve employees with the necessary skills and knowledge right from the start of the process. This way, they will not only be able to leave their mark on the solution, but also see the potential benefits of robots and the positive change they will bring to their future work. To make it easier for companies, MiR has launched an online academy through which employees can take short basic courses to learn about robots and how they function. The main idea of these trainings is to ensure that the implementation of robots in the production environment will be successful.
A larger "fleet" of robots requires robust software solutions
A characteristic of larger global market leaders with fully automated manufacturing and logistics operations is that groups of robots typically perform different tasks across multiple jobs. With this in mind, it is essential that the company has robust, reliable and sophisticated software solutions in place to ensure that this fleet of robots functions optimally.
For such large-scale automation through robots to be successful, it is necessary to reduce the time and complexity involved in managing each individual robot. For example, reprogramming of robots should be easy and intuitive in cases where new and different operations need to be changed.
In such situations, it is impractical to manually adjust each robot. That's why intelligent control software is critical in dealing with daily routine tasks, for example, to ensure that robots return automatically to their charging stations, that they do not pose an obstacle to each other or to their fellow colleagues’ humans, and that they can be integrated into other company systems such as ERP or WMS. In addition, the software is needed to collect and analyze data that can subsequently be used to improve robot efficiency and operational reliability. MiR focuses just as heavily on software development as it does on the actual robots.
The market requires high flexibility
The market for mobile robots and automated solutions is still evolving, but no doubt - at an exponential rate. There is a growing trend among an increasing number of companies in using mobile robots to automate more and more diverse workflows than before. This includes the increasing use of autonomous robots that deliver items to other automated systems. Alongside this, newly automated processes require robots with the capacity to transport heterogeneous materials and items of different weights, as well as to perform a range of functions in line with the production needs of enterprises. This, in turn, requires greater flexibility both in the choice of robotic solutions and accessories, and in the associated software.
Contact Soltec sales representatives for more information on +359 32 500 425 or by email: sales@soltec.bg



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