Mobile industrial robots (MiRs) are fast and flexible, and make life easier for warehouses and factories.
Unlike clunky old-school conveyor belts or forklifts that need human babysitters, these robots handle everything from transporting goods to making things run like a dream.
We’ll talk about them in-depth, as well as about cobot alternatives that can be the perfect warehousing partner for MiRs.
Read on to learn:
- What mobile industrial robots are
- How MiRs work
- The industries that benefit most from MiRs
- Benefits and challenges
- Key use cases
- Why MiRs outshine traditional automation systems
Let’s jump in.
What are mobile industrial robots?
Mobile industrial robots (MiRs) are automated machines that take over repetitive jobs — and make old-school forklifts look like boomers in the automation game.
These bots are smart, autonomous, and ridiculously good at navigating cluttered spaces while dodging humans, shelves, and other obstacles like absolute chads.
Equipped with sensors, cameras, and enough AI to make your team jealous, MiRs move materials, handle picking and packing, and even replenish inventory without even blinking. No major infrastructure overhauls, no unnecessary downtime — just efficient operations that make manual processes feel prehistoric.
Industries like warehousing, manufacturing, and retail are snapping these bots up faster than concert tickets because they do the boring stuff, leaving humans free to focus on creative, high-value, or plain brainy work.
Types of mobile industrial robots
Not all mobile industrial robots (MiRs) are the same, they have different vibes for different jobs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the two main types:
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Using sensors, cameras, and AI, AMRs navigate dynamically, dodging obstacles and finding the fastest routes. No pre-set paths, no fuss — just smooth, efficient movement.
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): These are like the more structured, by-the-book siblings. AGVs follow predefined paths using magnetic strips, wires, or markers.
They’re reliable and consistent, but don’t expect them to handle surprises like AMRs can. Think of them as great for steady, repetitive stuff where change is a no-go, or not really important.
Most common industries using MiRs
Mobile industrial robots are stealing the show in industries that thrive on speed and precision. Wherever there’s a job that involves hauling, stocking, or organizing, MiRs are stepping up.
Here’s who’s loving these bots:
- Warehousing and logistics: Picture robots zipping around like superheroes, shifting goods and cutting down delays. Companies like DHL have already embraced MiRs to streamline inventory and order fulfillment.
- Manufacturing: Forget bottlenecks — MiRs keep assembly lines fully stocked with parts and materials, so nothing gets held up.
- Retail: Big-box stores and e-commerce giants use MiRs to handle restocks, move products, and keep warehouses running like clockwork. They’re the secret to faster deliveries.
- Healthcare: Hospitals use MiRs to move medication, equipment, and even hazardous materials. These bots reduce the workload for staff while keeping everything clean and organized.
- Food and beverage: MiRs are taking care of ingredient deliveries, packaging, and inventor
How mobile industrial robots work
Mobile industrial robots are born overachievers — handle the jobs no one wants and do it way better than forklifts or humans.
Here’s how they pull it off:
- Navigation systems that don’t need Google Maps: MiRs use sensors, cameras, and LiDAR to dodge obstacles and map routes in real time. Whether it's a stray box or an unplanned coffee spill, these bots just keep moving.
- Lifting like champs: From featherweight boxes to hefty pallets, there’s a MiR model for every job. If forklifts had feelings, they’d be jealous.
- Charging smarter, not harder: With long-lasting batteries and auto-docking stations, MiRs don’t wait for anyone to plug them in — they recharge and get back to work, no downtime required.
Key use cases of mobile industrial robots in warehousing
Mobile industrial robots are shaking up the way warehouses operate.
Here’s where these bots are stepping in and making life easier:
- Automated goods transportation: MiRs keep goods moving across warehouses, whether it’s restocking shelves or hauling pallets. No delays, no drama — just efficient movement.
- Picking and packing support: Workers spend less time running around, thanks to MiRs fetching items and delivering them straight to packing stations. A great example of teamwork. Cobots then help with packing.
- Inventory replenishment: MiRs take over shelf restocking, so inventory levels stay consistent without manual intervention.
- Cross-docking operations: Goods move directly from receiving to shipping zones with MiRs, keeping operations smooth and efficient.
- Material handling in production lines: MiRs equipped with IoT and AI optimize ops by transporting raw materials and finished products while collecting real-time data for smarter decisions.
Benefits of mobile industrial robots
Mobile industrial robots bring serious upgrades to warehouse and factory floors. Here’s why companies can’t get enough of them:
- Operational efficiency that’s off the charts: MiRs take care of repetitive jobs like transporting goods, so workflows speed up, and humans can focus on higher-value tasks.
- Improved safety — no more forklift accidents: With advanced sensors and real-time navigation, MiRs avoid collisions and accidents, even in crowded spaces.
- Flexibility that blows traditional systems out of the water: MiRs can be reprogrammed and redeployed faster than you can say “workflow change,” making them perfect for dynamic operations.
- Cost savings that add up fast: While the initial price tag might sting, MiRs lower long-term labor costs and boost ROI by keeping things productive 24/7.
- Real-time data for smarter operations: MiRs equipped with IoT and AI gather data on the fly, helping businesses optimize processes and spot inefficiencies before they become a problem.
Challenges and considerations for mobile industrial robots
Mobile industrial robots are awesome, but let’s not act like they’re perfect.
Here’s where things can get a little iffy:
- Price tag drama: MiRs aren’t cheap. Dropping that initial investment feels a little painful, even when the long-term ROI makes sense. On average, robots cost between $20,000 to over $100,000. A MIR-600 that moves 600kg? It’s $100k. Keep that in mind.
- Tech compatibility struggles: Got outdated systems? Welcome to the integration nightmare. MiRs need to fit in with your current workflows, and sometimes that’s a challenge.
- Space hogging: These bots need room to move, so if your warehouse looks like a Black Friday sale, you might need to rethink your layout.
- Maintenance isn’t optional: Sensors, batteries, and navigation systems need TLC. Skip the upkeep, and you’re looking at downtime that nobody wants.
- Team training required: MiRs aren’t rocket science, but not everyone’s ready to hop on the robot train immediately. Training your crew is part of the deal. Keep in mind that this will probably cost money — and a lot of it.
Mobile industrial robots vs. traditional automation
MiRs aren’t here to play — they’re here to win.
Let’s see how they crush traditional automation systems:
- Flexibility: MiRs are the chameleons of automation. Need them in a new task or layout? Done. Conveyor systems? They’re more rigid than your 9 a.m. meeting schedule.
- Scalability: Adding MiRs is as easy as upgrading your Spotify plan. Expanding a conveyor system or forklift fleet? Hope you’ve got deep pockets and lots of patience.
- Cost: Sure, MiRs aren’t cheap upfront, but they pay off with lower labor costs and 24/7 productivity. Conveyor systems? They charge you a fortune every time you expand or upgrade.
- Downtime: MiRs recharge fast and keep going. Conveyor systems and forklifts? They take breaks like it’s their full-time job. The idea is to keep downtime to a minimum, not wait for re-fuels.
Frequently asked questions about mobile industrial robots
How do mobile industrial robots navigate?
MiRs use a mix of sensors, cameras, and LiDAR to map their surroundings, dodge obstacles, and find the best routes — basically, they’re smarter than your phone’s GPS.
How can MiRs improve warehouse safety?
Built-in sensors and collision detection mean MiRs don’t crash into stuff like your clumsy co-worker. They also reduce human interaction with dangerous jobs, which keeps everyone safer.
Are mobile industrial robots cost-effective?
They’re pricey upfront, sure, but they save tons in labor costs and run for much longer than any human. Over time, they’re worth every penny.
What payload capacities do mobile industrial robots offer?
Depends on the model. The MiR600 handles up to 600kg, and the MiR1350? A beastly 1350 kg.
Can mobile industrial robots handle hazardous materials?
Yes, some MiRs are designed to safely handle dangerous stuff like chemicals or biohazards. Just double-check that the model you’re using meets the safety standards.
Can mobile industrial robots operate 24/7?
Absolutely. With auto-charging stations, MiRs keep going like the Energizer Bunny — no naps, no complaints.
Summing up
Mobile industrial robots are the absolute legends of modern-day warehouses, and they should definitely be on your radar.
But it’s not all about shuffling goods from left to right. If you also want the right cobot companion to these robots, read on, because we’ve got a juicy deal for you.
Next steps with Standard Bots’ robotic solutions
Want smarter automation? Standard Bots has you covered. Forget MiRs that cost an arm and a leg — our RO1 six-axis cobot is a match made in heaven for both SMEs and industry giants.
- Affordable and adaptable: Costs half as much as the competition, with leasing options starting at $5/hour.
- Made to perform: RO1 delivers ±0.025 mm precision and can handle an impressive 18 kg payload.
- AI-driven simplicity: RO1’s intelligence rivals GPT-4, with a no-code framework that makes programming ultra-simple.
- Safety-minded design: With machine vision and collision detection, it works safely with your team.
Book a risk-free, 30-day trial today, and let RO1 show your business what cutting-edge automation can really do.
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