OMRON has announced the launch of MD-900 medium-payload (900kg) autonomous mobile robot (AMR). This is in addition to MD-650 (650kg) model announced in August for its medium-payload series. The new addition expands OMRON’s lineup of robots to meet the needs of various part and material transport applications. Thus, it provides greater efficiency at production sites.

Today, manufacturing sites focus on productivity and quality, while creating workplaces that reduce the physical burden on workers. In automotive manufacturing, for example, automating part and material transport operations is key. This includes the movement of heavy work-in-process (WIP) products and finished products. Moreover, it includes the frequent inter-process transfers of small lots of WIP material in high-mix, low-volume production systems. Mainly, autonomous mobile robots, with smart fleet management software, can take over these heavy and repetitive tasks.

OMRON’s existing lineup of mobile robots ranges from 60 to 1500kg. Specifically, the MD-650 and MD-900 provide a new mid-weight range option (650kg/900kg). Also, their unique control technology enables safe and smooth transport. It can be easily implemented at production sites where people and machines work in the same area.

Also, the unique OMRON Fleet Manager software enables integrated control of up to 100 mobile robots on a single system. It eliminates the need for multiple fleet management systems. Also, it automatically selects the optimal mobile robot for each process based on payload and availability.

Main Features

High speed and safety with top-level transfer speed^*1 in the medium payload range^*2 and unique obstacle avoidance algorithm

Based on implementing several thousands of mobile robots at manufacturing sites around the world, the MD-series is the result of proven experience. The new system operates smoothly even in narrow aisles thanks to its maximum speed of 2.2m/sec in case of MD-650 and 1.8m/sec in MD-900, advanced navigation functions, and obstacle avoidance algorithms. In addition, the introduction of advanced battery and charging technology enables 8 hours of operation on a 30-minute charge for MD-650, and 7.5 hours in case of MD-900.

Integrated control of all mobile robots using proprietary software technology

A single system can provide integrated transfer routes for up to 100 mobile robots with different payloads. Also, it controls the transfer sequence in real-time. The advanced linkage within a single system enables real-time routing, even for inter-process transfers at different production speeds, to achieve efficient transfers with minimal retention.

High level of safety in accordance with international standard ISO3691-4^*3

The MD-series design complies with ISO 3691-4 (enacted in 2020), the latest safety standard for driverless industrial trucks and their systems.

OMRON will continue to develop safe and high-quality mobile robots and proprietary software control to help reduce the burden of material transport in diverse industries. OMRON’s goal is to create automation solutions that maximize the value of people and contribute to a prosperous future for individuals, industries, and the environment.

*1 As of June 2023, according to internal research.

*2 Mobile robot with payload range model from 500 to 900 kg

*3 International safety standard applicable to AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) and other unmanned vehicles and systems. It defines requirements for safety functions and methods of validation of automatic vehicle functions, and compliance with these requirements is required to meet the standard.