Omron, a global leader in factory automation and Industry 4.0 solutions, has unveiled the MD-650 autonomous mobile robot (AMR), offering increased efficiency at production sites. With the addition of this medium-payload (650 kg) mobile robot, Omron has expanded its lineup of autonomous robots to cater to a wider range of part and material transport applications.
Omron’s existing range of mobile robots covers payloads from 60 to 1500 kg, and the MD-650 fills the mid-weight range (650 kg). Its unique control technology enables safe and smooth transport, easily implemented in production sites where people and machines work together.
According to Mr. Sameer Gandhi, Managing Director of Omron Automation in India, “This new addition to our AMR family is to strengthen and enhance the solution for warehousing (pallet transfer to the warehouse), line-side replenishment, as well as aid flexible manufacturing, thus generating value for our customers by making material movement hassle-free and automated.”
In recent years, manufacturing sites have aimed to reduce the burden of repetitive work for workers while improving productivity and quality. There are increasing demands to enhance efficiency in part and material transport operations that involve carrying heavy materials, work-in-process products, and finished products through automation, reducing the physical burden on workers.
Omron’s “Fleet Manager” software enables integrated control of up to 100 mobile robots on a single system. This eliminates the need for multiple fleet management systems and automatically selects the optimal mobile robot for each process based on payload and availability.
The Omron MD-650 offers several key features:
- High Speed and Safety: It operates at a maximum speed of 2.2 m/sec, making it one of the fastest in the medium payload range. Advanced navigation functions and obstacle avoidance algorithms ensure smooth operation even in narrow aisles. Additionally, advanced battery and charging technology provide 8 hours of operation on a 30-minute charge.
- Integrated Control: A single system can manage up to 100 mobile robots with different payloads, controlling the transfer sequence in real-time. This advanced linkage allows for efficient transfers with minimal retention.
- High-Level Safety: The MD-650 is designed to comply with ISO 3691-4, the latest safety standard for industrial Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).
Omron plans to further strengthen its product lineup with another model in the medium payload range of up to 900 kg. The company’s vision is to develop solutions that maximize the value of people and create a prosperous future for individuals, industry, and the environment.
