Flexible robotic solution
Omron has unveiled its vision of future industrial manufacturing, which features an end-to-end, flexible and automated production line.
At the centre of this concept is Omron’s hybrid concept robot, the innovative Mobile Manipulator (MoMa). Manufacturers have been using robotics in their assembly lines for years. However, their application has been limited due to the physical restrictions of the technology, says Omron.
While a collaborative robot arm can remove the physical barriers of traditional robots and work alongside operators, it cannot independently move between different production cells for example. Mobile robots, or AIVs (automated intelligent vehicles) on the other hand are ideal for automating intralogistics operations and provide a mobile platform for a flexible production workflow.
Omron has created an innovative answer to this problem through its MoMa hybrid solution. Combining the discrete technologies, the MoMa is a new breed of robots with all the benefits and none of the limitations of collaborative and mobile robots. It consists of a mobile, wheeled base, a highly dexterous collaborative robotic arm, together with integrated machine vision technology. This is Omron’s concept for the future of industrial robotics, and offers a glimpse of what’s possible when previously disconnected robot systems are unified into one.
The MoMa provides flexibility in handling and operational mobility. It functions as a comprehensive robotics solution, able to perform various tasks including machine tending, automated kitting, assembly, packing and palletising automated pick and retrieval as well as gluing and sealing. When part of an integrated production line, the MoMa can be automatically redeployed for multiple tasks as needed, increasing its value and operational utility.
