Motion Control & Drives


Omron launches HD-1500 mobile robot

November 2020 Motion Control & Drives

Omron has announced the launch of the HD-1500, the strongest and latest addition to the company’s series of mobile robots. The new HD-1500 boasts a heavy payload capacity of up to 1500 kg. It is ideal for modern factories, where autonomous material handling solutions need to manage more demanding industrial automation tasks, along with implementing new social distancing requirements due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 1500 kg payload capacity enables transportation of large automotive components such as car chassis and voluminous pallet size payloads – items that would have traditionally been moved using forklifts. With the release of the HD-1500, Omron’s mobile robots, including the LD-60/90 and LD-250, form a seamless lineup of models that can transport a wide variety of items from components to WIP (works in progress), finished products, and heavy material.

Ensuring efficient material handling in factories, Omron’s industry-first Fleet Manager can control up to 100 mobile robots with different sizes, configurations and payload capacities under one system to automate complex material transport and logistics applications.


The robots can automatically calculate the best route, while collaborating safely with people and navigating around obstacles, without the use of magnetic floor tapes or other guides. The HD-1500 battery charges in just 36 minutes and can handle a full shift on a full load, reducing downtime.

“On-site logistics, the movement of products and material within the factory and warehouse, is becoming a real bottleneck for many companies due to the frequency and tediousness of the job, compounded by the need to meet social distancing protocols,” said Tom Mathias, president and CEO of Omron Robotics and Safety Technologies. “Fast-paced manufacturing environments require speed and flexibility. Omron’s HD-1500 mobile robot can help companies solve this issue because it can work 24 hours a day tirelessly, punctually, and safely side-by-side with people.”

Highlights of the HD-1500

Higher payload and sturdier structure: the HD-1500 can move pallet size payloads in manufacturing facilities and reduces the need for a forklift. Built with sturdy metal skins, it is robust and able to withstand heavy unintended external impacts.

Faster ROI: the new robot offers a solution to automate complex and dangerous tasks. Organisations can now reduce the use of forklifts and safely transport large pallets containing finished goods, voluminous materials in the food and commodities industry, and automotive frames. Workers can now focus their attention on more vital tasks; allowing customers to load more, making fewer trips with heavier batches, and increasing the return on investment. Customers can now do more with less equipment.

Customisable fleet: mobile fleets can become more diverse, but are still controlled through the same system. Omron’s Fleet Manager allows a diverse mobile fleet of up to 100 mobile robots, including the HD-1500, to be controlled with the same system while achieving high performance. Thanks to the optimised traffic management, battery management, and routing of vehicles, customers can add the HD-1500 to their fleets without worrying about safety, compatibility, or performance issues.

Additional features include:

• Battery charges in 36 minutes to realise greater efficiency and less downtime.

• 360° safety scanning lasers used for simultaneous localisation and safety functionality.

• Superior navigation using adaptive safety zones from LiDAR technology.

• Improved CAPS technology allows for better accuracy and repeatability for docking.

• With the Fleet Simulator feature you can also simulate up to 10 robots, in up to three separate fleets.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Premium slewing rings from SKF
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s slewing bearing portfolio spans standard and customised designs across a wide range of types and sizes, backed by advanced monitoring, remanufacturing services and application engineering expertise for demanding industrial applications.

Read more...
World’s first fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engine
Motion Control & Drives
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are establishing a joint venture to industrialise hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation, combining liquid hydrogen expertise with fuel cell development to support the ZEROe programme’s 2035 target.

Read more...
Monopile handling innovations boost offshore wind farm
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet’s XXL monopile transport system and new MTC 1600 terminal crane are helping offshore wind developers safely marshal and install ever larger monopile foundations, as demonstrated on Van Oord’s Baltic Power project.

Read more...
Automation without the mega factory
Yaskawa Southern Africa Motion Control & Drives
Mid-sized South African manufacturers are turning to targeted, low-risk automation to solve specific bottlenecks rather than chasing full factory transformation, helped by retrofit-friendly robotics and advanced simulation software.

Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.

Read more...
Choosing the right level of protection in modern automation
Motion Control & Drives
Choosing the right ingress protection rating for a motor or drive is less about maximising the number, and more about understanding what the machine will actually face in operation.

Read more...
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional

Read more...
Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.

Read more...
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.

Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved