What is a mobile robot? Definition with examples

What are mobile robots?

Mobile robots are autonomous or semi-autonomous machines capable of moving around. 

Unlike industrial robots (which are designed to operate within a fixed workspace), mobile robots can freely navigate and move around their environment.

Key components of mobile robots

What are the key components that make mobile robots tick? 

Let's break it down:

Sensors and robotic perception

Mobile robots rely heavily on sensors to perceive their surroundings. Some common examples include cameras, laser scanners (LiDAR), ultrasonic sensors, and more. 

These allow the robot to "see" obstacles, map its environment, and make decisions accordingly.

Some even have advanced sensors like thermal imaging cameras or gas detectors for specific applications.

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The locomotion system

To move around, mobile robots need an effective locomotion system. This could be wheels (the most common), tracks, or legs — each with their own advantages for different terrain types.

Differential drive robots use two separate motors to control the rotation of wheels independently. This allows for tight turns and controlled movement.

Omni-directional robots have unique wheel arrangements that enable movement in any direction — a great fit for tight quarters. 

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Control system and software

The control system is usually a compact onboard computer running advanced software. This integrates sensor data, calculates navigation paths, and controls the locomotion system.

Sophisticated algorithms handle tasks like localization (determining the robot's position), path planning, obstacle avoidance, and more. 

Machine learning and AI can take mobile robotics capabilities a step further. 

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Power and communications

Like any machine, mobile robots need a reliable power source — typically rechargeable batteries. Careful power management is very important to maximize runtime between charges.

They also need wireless communications like Wi-Fi or cellular to send/receive data, receive remote commands, or stream video feeds back to a control center.

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Types of mobile robots 

There are four main types of mobile robots, and each has its place. 

They are: 

• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): These robots navigate their environment using sensors and maps, making decisions on the fly to avoid obstacles and reach their destination. 
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• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): AGVs follow a fixed path, often marked by wires or magnetic tape, to transport materials. They follow the same route day in and day out.
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• Differential-Drive Robots: These robots have two wheels that can move independently, allowing them to turn and maneuver in tight spaces. They’re capable of impressive, eye-opening agility feats. 
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• Omnidirectional Robots: These robots have special wheels that allow them to move in any direction, even sideways! They can navigate complex environments, making them apt multi-taskers. 

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Examples of mobile robots in use

Mobile robots are rapidly being adopted across various industries. You may have encountered mobile robotics without even noticing. 

Let’s take a look: 

Warehouse logistics and material handling

One of the most widespread uses of mobile robots is in warehouse and logistics operations. 

E-commerce colossi like Amazon extensively use autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to shift inventory bins, pallets, and parcels across massive fulfillment centers.

These robots can navigate complex environments, avoiding obstacles and optimizing routes for efficient order picking and shipping. Some even have lifting capabilities, a massive gain for the entire material handling process.

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Healthcare and hospital delivery

In hospitals and healthcare facilities, mobile robots play a vital role in improving operational efficiency. 

Autonomous robotic couriers and tuggers transport medical supplies, linens, meals, medications, and lab specimens throughout the facility. They are more commonly used for transporting supplies and equipment.

This not only reduces the workload on staff but also minimizes potential errors and contamination risks associated with manual handling.

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Agricultural automation

The agricultural sector is increasingly turning to mobile robots for quite a few jobs, from monitoring crops and livestock to precision seeding and harvesting operations. Autonomous field robots can navigate vast crop fields, collect data, flag issues, and even apply herbicides or pesticides with pinpoint accuracy.

This level of automation improves yields, reduces chemical usage, and minimizes the need for manual labor in challenging outdoor environments.

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Inspection and maintenance in hazardous environments

Mobile robots are top-notch in dangerous or hard-to-reach environments where human access is limited. 

In industries like oil and gas, nuclear facilities, and mining operations, autonomous robots with cameras and sensors can complete routine inspections and maintenance jobs.

These robots can navigate confined spaces, point out leaks or structural errors, and even carry out repairs.

Advantages of mobile robots

Here are the advantages of mobile robots:

• Flexible and re-deployable. One major advantage of mobile robots is their flexibility in being deployed in various environments and adapted to different jobs.
  
  In opposition to traditional fixed industrial robots confined to assembly lines, mobile robots can navigate freely and reconfigure themselves based on changing needs.
  
  This lets them handle diverse material handling, delivery, inspection, or cleaning operations across multiple facilities.
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• Productive and efficiency wins. Mobile robots excel at repetitive, tedious tasks that are labor-intensive for humans.
  By automating these processes, businesses can significantly up productivity while reducing costs associated with manual labor. 
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• Facing the danger. In industries involving dangerous environments like mining, construction, or chemical processing, mobile robots can take over risky operations.
  This minimizes the need for human workers to enter potentially dangerous areas, improving safety standards. 
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• Mobile robotics = optimization. Mobile robots can optimize material flow, reduce travel times, and improve overall operational efficiency.
  
  This results in leaner, more cost-effective operations that drive business growth and competitiveness.

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Challenges in implementing mobile robots

Of course, buyers beware. There are still some significant challenges to overcome with mobile robotics. 

They are: 

• Getting around obstacles. One of the biggest hurdles in deploying mobile robots is their ability to navigate complex environments.
  
  They need to have advanced sensors and algorithms to scan and avoid obstacles. No matter the environment, these robots need precise path planning.
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• Real life is confusing. Unpredictable real-world conditions like dynamic obstacles or changing layouts can easily daze a robot.
  
  That's why robust navigation skills using techniques like simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) are important. Extensive testing in the intended environment is a must before full deployment.
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• Autonomy still has a way to go. Mobile robots have a limited battery life. Extended runtimes for continuous operation are hard.
  
  Frequent recharging or swapping drained batteries can negatively affect productivity. Some advanced solutions include opportunistic charging when the robot is idle or autonomous docking at charging stations.
  
  Balancing power demands of sensors, motors, and computing is also de rigueur. 
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• Integration is not as simple as it looks. Integrating mobile robots into existing infrastructure is no easy feat.
  
  Robots must interface well with other automated systems, sensors, software, and human operators. This integration across the entire operational flow is vital. 

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Summing up

Mobile robots are an exciting field with lots of potential to enrich our lives and continue to enhance operational efficiency across industries.

As it stands, mobile robots are primed to take over boring and dangerous jobs — while still leaving plenty of room for human intervention. 

Rapid advancements in AI and engineering mean mobile bots are only getting smarter, more efficient, and more adaptable — we’re poised to see what new capabilities they will bring to the table.

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Next steps 

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