Mobile robots such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming increasingly popular. They are being adopted for commercial and industrial applications as companies look for ways to deploy their existing workforces more effectively and maximise the produc-tivity and efficiency of their operations. By freeing the time of employees from repetitive and strenuous tasks, that robots can easily perform, they can refocus their energy on contributing much-needed knowledge and ideas to other organisational roles.
With the significant rise in mobile robots, Schaeffler has been designing innovative solutions to maxim-ise efficiency in commercial and industrial settings. For example, its award-winning GraviKart robotic push trolley is part of Schaeffler's efforts to reimagine the traditional industrial manufacturing robots to support the factory floor workers with their tasks and increase productivity.
The GraviKart is an easy-to-use intelligent pushcart that addresses issues that include strenuous push-ing and pulling of goods, the presence of blind spots and difficulty navigating tight spaces.
The innovative solutions don't just stop there. Schaeffler's autonomous mobile robotic platform DEX was recognised with the Red Dot: Best of the Best award in the design concept category. With the ability to carry heavy loads of several hundred kilos, it allows the mobile robots to be deployed in various areas, such as urban delivery services or autonomously moving beds in hospitals from A to B. Schaeffler is planning a research pilot run to deploy DEX for its production facilities and to optimise manufacturing workflows.
Schaeffler sees robotics as a prominent area of growth in supporting everyday living needs and spear-heading the industry 4.0 revolutions. By combining its unique expertise in industrial components and systems engineering, Schaeffler looks to advance the development of intelligent solutions to pave the way for manufacturing industries in the future.
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