The new software foundation from Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) enables more robust and scalable autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Specifically, it was created to achieve faster missions, tighter integration with other systems, and enhanced cybersecurity.

Faster, More Intuitive User Interface

The first phase of the new software, available for individual and entire fleets, focuses on a faster, more intuitive user interface (UI). This feature allows customers to more quickly perform specific functions. Among them includes planning and re-planning navigation on the fly around obstacles with optimized reaction to anything moving nearby, like other robots, forklifts or even human workers.

Also, the software enables navigating in large facilities efficiently and switch smoothly between different floors or production halls. Being able to navigate efficiently while avoiding bottlenecks is vital for the performance of AMRs. Thus, these new functionalities ensure optimum throughput for the MiR robots.

“Our experiences with hundreds of customers over the years has made it clear not only that software is key to automation, but also which new features provide the greatest overall experience,” said Søren E. Nielsen, president of MiR.

“This new software stack lays a powerful foundation for optimizing the use of our AMRs now and into the future as we adapt to dynamic environments and technology advancements. From enabling operators to more quickly and smoothly plan out the robots’ missions,  or ensuring even greater levels of cybersecurity and integration across a facility’s myriad systems, we will continue to enhance our robots’ performance to keep facilities productive and business executives happy,” Nielsen continued.

Ease of Use and Enhanced Cybersecurity

MiR has always offered AMR solutions that were easy to control for the users. The new MiR software comes with a completely redesigned user interface to enhance the overall ease of use. The UI has different user levels. It requires simple set up from desktop computers, smartphones and tablets. This way, employees can access different dashboards or summon the robots with a single click.

“We want to empower companies to get started with automation in a simple way,” Nielsen said. “It takes less than an hour to set up simple tasks for a robot via our new interface. For more complex tasks that might require advanced features and settings, the UI still enables employees to easily and efficiently operate the robots. When combined with the added efficiency of the robots, users quickly realize a low total cost of ownership of our AMRs.”

In addition, this new software has put emphasis on MiR’s increased focus on cybersecurity. Specifically, it features new security improvements according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard for industrial automation systems. These include software code signing, extended robot authentication, and update of the robot operating system.