Mobile robots drive flexible logistics, warehouse solutions

Automation specialist Omron recently launched the HD-1500, the strongest and newest addition to their series of mobile robots, boasting a heavy payload capacity of up to 1 500 kg.

The company notes that it is “ideal for today’s factories”, where autonomous materials handling solutions must manage more demanding industrial automation tasks.

The 1 500 kg payload capacity of the HD-1500 enables the transportation of large automotive components such as car chassis and voluminous pallet-size payloads –  items that would have traditionally been moved using forklifts.

With the release of the HD-1500, Omron's mobile robots – including the LD-60/90 and LD-250 – form a seamless lineup of models that can transport a variety of items from components to work in progress, finished products and heavy materials.

Ensuring efficient materials handling in factories, Omron’s industry-first Fleet Manager can control up to 100 mobile robots with different sizes, configurations and payload capacities under one system to automate complex material transport and logistics applications.

The robots can automatically calculate the best route, while collaborating safely with people and navigating around obstacles, without the use of magnetic floor tapes or other guides. The HD-1500 battery charges in just 36 minutes and can handle a full shift on a full load, thereby reducing downtime.

Onsite logistics – the movement of products and material within the factory and warehouse – is becoming a real bottleneck for many companies, owing to the frequency and tediousness of the job, compounded by the need to meet the much-needed, strict safety protocols.

Moreover, fast-paced manufacturing environments require speed and flexibility. Omron’s HD-1500 mobile robot can help companies solve this issue because it can work all-day tirelessly, punctually and safely, side-by-side with people.

Highlights of the HD-1500 include its offering of a higher payload and sturdier structure whereby it can move pallet-size payloads in manufacturing facilities, reducing the need for a forklift.

Built with sturdy metal skins, the HD-1500 is “robust and able to withstand heavy unintended external impacts”. 

It also enables a faster return on investment (ROI) as the HD-1500 offers a solution to automate complex and dangerous tasks. Organisations can reduce the use of forklifts and safely transport large pallets containing finished goods, voluminous materials in the food and commodities industries, and automotive frames.

As a result, workers can better focus their attention on more vital tasks, customers can load more, fewer trips with heavier batches need to undertaken and ROI is increased. With the HD-1500, “customers can do more with less equipment”.

The HD-1500 also offers a customisable fleet. Mobile fleets can become more diverse, but still be controlled through the same system.

Omron’s Fleet Manager allows a diverse mobile fleet of up to 100 mobile robots, including the HD-1500, to be controlled with the same system while achieving high performance.

Owing to optimised traffic management, battery management and routing of vehicles, customers can add the HD-1500 to their fleets without worrying about safety, compatibility or performance.

Additional features include 360° safety scanning lasers used for simultaneous localization and safety functionality, superior navigation using adaptive safety zones from light detection and ranging technology, improved Cell Alignment Position System technology allows for better accuracy and repeatability for docking, and with the Fleet Simulator feature, clients can also simulate up to ten robots, in up to three separate fleets.