Mobile Industrial Robots ApS, or MiR, today introduced a VDA 5050 Adapter. The company said this adapter bridges its robots with third-party fleet management systems complying with the European VDA 5050 standard.
“In today’s increasingly diverse automation environments, deploying mobile automation platforms that can communicate with each other no matter type or brand is especially important for material handling projects to be successful,” stated Kevin Dumas, vice president of product at MiR.
“Our new VDA 5050 Adapter provides this multi-vendor integration to offer smooth deployment and configuration, compliance with industry standards, and ongoing alignment with advancements and customer needs,” he added. “It delivers our customers more choice and flexibility throughout their automation journey.”
MiR develops and manufactures autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to automate internal logistics and optimize material handling for a wide range of payloads, including pallets. The Odense, Denmark-based unit of testing equipment maker Teradyne Inc. said it integrates robotics and artificial intelligence to serve businesses of all sizes in industries including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
In November, Teradyne announced the MC600 mobile manipulator, the latest addition to its growing list of MiR Go-approved products. The MC600 combines the MiR600 AMR with the UR20 and UR30 collaborative robot arms from Universal Robots A/S, which is also owned by Teradyne. MiR said it can handle payloads up to 600 kg (1,322 lb.) and automate complex workflows in industrial environments.
VDA 5050 Adapter enables different AMRs to communicate
By simplifying integration to third-party systems, this new software adapter enables interoperability for warehouses, distribution centers, and factories, said Mobile Industrial Robots. The adapter provides users with a standardized approach to managing diverse robot fleets, reducing integration complexities, and improving operational efficiency.
Initiated by the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) and the VDMA Material Handling and Intralogistics Association, the VDA 5050 standard enables communications among multiple AMRs from various suppliers using a common control system.
The standard allows customers to improve traffic management and coordinate operations when using different automated vehicles. This includes anything from general AMRs to specialized vehicles, such as forklifts and high-reach trucks.
MiR developed the VDA 5050 Adapter in close collaboration with MHP, SYNAOS, Siemens SIMOVE, and KINEXON. All of the partners provided technical expertise to adapt the product to the specific needs of third-party fleet management systems.
The adapter connects MiR’s existing RESTFUL robot interface with the MQTT protocols, facilitating VDA message exchange between MiR AMRs and third-party systems. The VDA 5050 Adapter is available worldwide through global certified systems integrators.
MiR said it will provide optional support agreements for continued updates and compatibility assurance as standards evolve.
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