Autonomous navigation of AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and manipulation of robotic arms are advanced technologies that independently face significant challenges related to localization, path planning and accuracy. However, many industrial applications require integrated solutions that combine both capabilities: simultaneous navigation and manipulation. In other words, an Autonomous Mobile Manipulator robot. In this context, Robotnik stands out as one of the few manufacturers specialized in mobile manipulator robots in the market. With an extensive background in the development of this technology, our portfolio includes Autonomous Mobile Manipulators designed for indoor and outdoor environments, with various kinematics, ranges and payload capacities adapted to the specific needs of each application.

🔴What is a Mobile Robot Manipulator?

A robotic arm brings the advantages of autonomous manipulation, although its reach is restricted by its fixed base. In contrast, a mobile platform has no manipulation capabilities, but can be moved to cover a much larger work area.
A mobile manipulator robot is one that combines a robotic arm mounted on an autonomous mobile platform, giving rise to a versatile robot that overcomes traditional limitations.
Historically, robotic arms were used in industrial environments to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks such as welding or handling heavy loads. These robotic arms have a large manipulation capacity, but their working area is limited due to the fixed base. Because they were stationary and bulky, they operated within safety cells restricted to human operators for protection reasons.
As an alternative to heavy robotic arms, cobots emerge: more dynamic collaborative robotic arms that no longer need to be confined within safety perimeters but can safely collaborate with humans.
On the other hand, robotic platforms have also been used for many years in industry through Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), especially for internal transportation in manufacturing environments.

Technological advancement, however, has allowed an evolution of these simple navigation systems to what we know as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR). These autonomous mobile platforms are more flexible than AGVs and can operate in a dynamic environment alongside human workers. Compared to the fixed routes of AVGs, AMRs do not need fixed guidance structures to orient themselves but plan and execute routes on their own while avoiding obstacles.
The result of this combination of a cobot and an AMR is an Autonomous Mobile Manipulator robot capable of performing manipulation tasks in different locations, such as moving objects between surfaces (Pick and Place).

🔴What are the uses of mobile manipulators?
The uses of Autonomous Mobile Manipulators extend to practically any industry to automate tasks ranging from the classification of parts or components, to those related to quality control.
These are some examples of uses of mobile manipulator robots:
◾Use of Mobile Manipulators in logistics and warehouses:
- Collection and transportation of materials.
- Automated inventory organization.
- Supply of production lines

◾Use of Mobile Manipulators in the manufacturing industry:
- Screwed
- Welding
- Assembly

◾Use of Mobile Manipulators in the healthcare sector:
- Transporting medicines or medical equipment
- Hospital intralogistics
- Teleassistance

◾Use of Mobile Manipulators in agriculture:
- Harvesting and selection of crops
- Field monitoring
- Application of chemical or phytosanitary products

◾Use of Mobile Manipulators in inspection and maintenance:
- Exploring hazardous environments
- Infrastructure inspection and repair
- Surveillance of predetermined areas

🔴Examples and applications of Robotnik mobile manipulator robots in different sectors
Robotnik is one of the first global companies dedicated to the development and manufacturing of mobile manipulator robots. After more than 22 years of experience, we have a wide range of applications in which our mobile manipulators automate repetitive, tedious or dangerous tasks in different sectors, both R&D and industrial:
- Assembly operations in the automotive industry
- Crop inspection and monitoring
- Painting and finishing tasks
- Pick and Place en manufacture
- Handling in recycling plants
- Production area supply
- Classification and placement of stock

One of the advantages of Robotnik mobile manipulators, in addition to the advanced technical level at the software and hardware level, is that they are compatible with a wide range of interchangeable tools, such as grippers, suction cups, robotic hands, automatic screwdrivers or welding equipment, allowing the same robot to perform multiple tasks in different locations.