Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) has introduced the MC600, a mobile collaborative robot (cobot) designed to automate workflows requiring payloads up to 600 kilograms (1,322 pounds).
By integrating MiR’s MiR600 autonomous mobile robot (AMR) with Universal Robots’ UR20/UR30 robotic arms, the MC600 addresses tasks such as palletizing, box handling, and machine tending.
Built on the success of its predecessor, the MC250, the MC600 offers enhanced automation for heavier items. The extended reach of the UR20 arm enables the cobot to access areas previously out of reach for smaller systems.
“By integrating the ‘legs’ of a mobile robot with the ‘arms’ of a cobot, the MC600 addresses multiple automation workflow challenges such as palletizing and machine tending with one system,” Jean-Pierre Hathout said. “While some companies have explored humanoid robots or one-off custom mobile cobot solutions for such tasks, they remain far from widespread industrial use. The MC600 is ready today to safely handle these complex automation challenges.”
Improving Productivity and Workplace Ergonomics
The MC600 operates with minimal downtime, serving multiple machines and performing continuous material handling. Its automation capabilities allow workers to focus on higher-value tasks while improving workplace ergonomics by reducing the need for manual heavy lifting.
The cobot also enhances workplace safety by minimizing physical strain, which can help reduce injury risks for workers handling repetitive, labor-intensive tasks.
Collaborative Innovation for Streamlined Automation
As part of Teradyne Robotics, Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) specializes in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for internal logistics, while Universal Robots (UR) focuses on collaborative robotic arms (cobots) for flexible automation. Together, they combine expertise to advance industrial automation solutions. The MC600, available directly through MiR, integrates MiR’s autonomous mobility platform with UR’s heavy-payload robotic arms, offering a streamlined system for handling complex workflows. Powered by a unified software platform from MiR Go partner Enabled Robotics, the MC600 coordinates its mobile base and robotic arms seamlessly, ensuring smooth operations and simplified integration into existing processes.
According to Ujjwal Kumar, group president at Teradyne Robotics, noted, “The smaller MC250 has proven especially popular in semiconductor fabrication facilities and other lower payload manufacturing tasks, but there’s been a clear demand for a mobile cobot that could handle heavier manufacturing applications. The MC600 meets these requirements, another example of how we consistently offer customers the flexibility, safety and efficiency that meets their unique automation needs.”
Growing Demand for Mobile Cobots
The global market for mobile cobots is projected to grow 46% annually by 2030, driven by demand for scalable and flexible automation solutions. The MC600 is positioned to meet this demand with its ability to combine autonomous mobility, high-payload handling, and advanced robotics.
About Mobile Industrial Robots
Headquartered in Odense, Denmark, Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) develops and manufactures autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) designed to automate internal logistics and material handling for various payloads, including pallets. Combining advanced technology and AI, MiR delivers automation solutions with support services to facilitate smooth implementation. Headquartered in Odense, Denmark, with offices worldwide, MiR serves industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. MiR is part of Teradyne Robotics, a division of Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ: TER), a global supplier of automatic test equipment and robotics technology.
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Source/Photo Credit: Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR)
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