MiR and Logitrans Work on Autonomous Pallet Jacks
Mobile Industrial Robotics (MiR) and Logitrans A/S have teamed up to create autonomous pallet jacks. The companies plan to combine MiR's autonomous navigation and software capabilities with Logitrans' electric pallet jacks. They intend to build both a fully autonomous pallet jack and a semi-autonomous pallet jack.
MiR already has robots that can transport pallets, but they require special racks or accessory integration. MiR said its customers are asking for AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) that can pick up and deliver pallets from the floor.
“Our mission has always been to transform the methods companies use to manage internal logistics so they can be more productive and competitive, and this new initiative is another giant step forward in that direction. Combining our software expertise with Logitrans' decades of hardware knowledge will help us quickly fill this gap so we can support our customers across their entire task chain”
While MiR identified the need among its customers, Logitrans also sees growing demand for automating existing pallet movement processes.
“We know the material handling industry is moving toward automation. It is part of our identity to always be ahead in product development across our business range. The ability to automate our products will help us maintain our leading position. We do not have our own capabilities for this type of product, so partnering with MiR is a great fit for us”
In August 2021, MiR released two high-capacity AMRs, adding them to its current lineup of lower-capacity AMRs. The launch showed MiR's maximum payload of 1350 kg. MiR's high-capacity robots can pick up pallets, but only from specially designed racks. The company said the collaboration with Logitrans will help it better serve customers who were interested in AMRs capable of lifting pallets from the floor.
"Internal transport and material handling play a fundamental role in logistics success. Autonomous mobile robots from MiR can smoothly optimize these workflows. Easily adaptable mobile robots can be deployed within hours and move everything from small parts to heavy loads and pallets. Regardless of location — manufacturing facilities, warehouses, distribution centers or healthcare facilities — MiR robots always work safely alongside people," the company said.
Teradyne, a supplier of automated test equipment, now owns two robotics companies developing robots for moving pallets. Teradyne acquired MiR and AutoGuide Mobile Robots in October 2019 for $58 million. AutoGuide specializes exclusively in high-capacity AMRs and already has a pallet-moving robot — an autonomous forklift.
According to The Robot Report, MiR was working on a pallet-moving robot even before Teradyne acquired AutoGuide. A source told the publication: "MiR knew this was something they needed to address early in their history, and asked customers for their input."
At the time of the acquisition, Teradyne said the AutoGuide AMRs would complement MiR's lineup of lower-capacity AMRs. In 2019, MiR's maximum payload was 1000 kg, while AutoGuide's maximum payload was 4536 kg.
However, AutoGuide was reset in 2021. In April, AutoGuide President and CEO Rob Sullivan stepped down, and Tim Moriarty, Teradyne's president of memory products, took his place.
Revenue of Teradyne's industrial automation group, which also includes Energid and Universal Robots, fell 6% in 2020 to $280 million. MiR grew 1% with sales of $45 million, and AutoGuide also grew according to preliminary estimates. Teradyne's industrial automation group revenue has so far recovered from its 2020 decline. In the first three quarters of 2021, the group received revenue of about $263 million.
“When these AMR pallet jacks reach the market, companies will be able to rely on MiR as a solutions provider for most of their internal logistics needs. The collaboration with Logitrans will help us meet growing demand for these offerings even sooner, which in turn will help our customers achieve their business goals”
"We strive to develop convenient, flexible and safe robots to help companies improve their efficiency. Our autonomous robots are a new generation of advanced mobile robots that deliver rapid return on investment, often with payback periods of less than a year. These unique collaborative robots are now used by manufacturers across a wide range of industries and healthcare sectors to automate internal transport," MiR said.
“Thanks to MiR's collaborative robotics capabilities and Logitrans' extensive product portfolio, along with configuration options, we foresee a future in which customers can get a precise AMR solution tailored to their needs”
