In the continued pursuit of implementing new technology and increasing automation throughout our plastics and metals division, Tool Gauge management and engineering are in the first phase of evaluating new cobots from Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR).

 

 

Robotic specialists from Olympus Controls were onsite in late November to demonstrate the capabilities of their MiR500, one of four MiR autonomous mobile robot (AMR) models.

 

The MiR cobot fleet is a cost-effective way to quickly automate internal transportation and logistics of goods throughout various industry facilities. These robots optimize workflow, freeing employees for more valuable tasks, ultimately increasing productivity and reducing costs.

 

 

Designed to automate the transportation of heavier loads and pallets, the MiR500 has a payload over 1,000 lbs and a footprint of about 4’x3’ ft. This makes the MiR500 a prime candidate for safely maneuvering heavy loads of material through our 80,000 sq ft facility from one destination to the next.

 

Programming the MiR500 is quite effortless and very user-friendly. With the latest laser-scanning technology and 3D cameras, the robot is able to map out directional pathways using wifi and a programming interface via smartphone, tablet, or PC. Once the facility is mapped out, the robot is able to locate and maneuver around blocked pathways and be programmed with do not go areas and stick to pathways.

 

 

 

Over the next few months, Tool Gauge management and engineers will continue to research and evaluate smaller models of the MiR fleet to determine which departments would best utilize the robot. Material staging at presses, kitting operations, and our future paint department are areas considered to receive MiR robots. After proof of concept (POC) and ROI has been assessed, we will add 3-5 more MiR robots over the next few years.

 

Factors to be assessed before the first robot is purchased will be size, how to successfully (and safely) integrate the robot into daily operations, ROI, and proof of concept. If the robot is successfully integrated into facility operations, 3-5 more MiR robots will be purchased over the span of a few years.

 

For more information on MiR and their autonomous mobile robots, click here. Check page continously on our blog page for more information on our automation strategy!