OMRON takes mobile robot integration to the next level

New FLOW Core 2.1 Fleet Management Software has arrived

OMRON, a global leader in automation, has launched Fleet Operations Workspace (FLOW) Core 2.1 to significantly improve mobile robot integration and efficiency.

This ground breaking new software enables short-term introduction of mobile robots through simulation functions, integrated control of multiple robot types, and continuous improvement of running efficiency through running data analysis.

The new software comes at a time when manufacturing sites are looking for automation solutions to help offset worsening labour shortages.

And with the urgent need for infection control and to avoid close contact in the workplace, the timing could not be better.

In recent years, the growing use of mobile robots has provided an ideal solution to combat labour shortages at manufacturing sites, freeing workers from heavy labour and risk of injury.

Also, there is a growing need to use robots with different payloads and sizes for a series of transport processes, from material transport to processing and product shipment.

Fleet management software is vital for the integration of various types of mobile robots.

Improving installation efficiency

The data collection required to optimise the relationship between each robot and each process is time consuming. It is difficult to visualise the running data on the manufacturing floor where production lots, processes, equipment, and people change frequently.

OMRON’s new FLOW Core 2.1 software significantly improves installation efficiency.

The software addresses key issues before the actual installation of mobile robots through a fleet simulation function, enabling a quick start-up.

It also enables integrated control of multiple types of mobile robots with different payloads, eliminating the complexity of building a system for each type.

Even after the system is installed, it’s easy to collect and visualise travel data and identify bottlenecks.

With FLOW Core 2.1 software you can now simply visualise the gap between the effects of the system and those targeted at the time of installation, to improve travel efficiency. This shortens the adjustment and verification period of the mobile robot and allows the user to immediately experience the effects of transport automation in smart factories.

These functions can also be used with mobile robots that have already been installed by updating the existing software to FLOW Core 2.1.

Driving innovation

Under the banner of the strategic concept “innovative-Automation,” which consists of the “three i’s,” namely, “integrated (evolution in control),” “intelligent (intelligence developed through ICT),” and “interactive (new harmonisation between humans and machines),” OMRON is driving innovations on the production floor.

With a wealth of experience in the development and distribution of mobile robots, OMRON continues to advance its robot technology, enabling end users to be more flexible and agile.

The new FLOW Core 2.1 software frees employees from repetitive, monotonous and heavy lifting tasks, allowing them to engage in more creative work.

Key features include:

Travel data visualization and analysis functions (FLOW iQ)

FLOW iQ visualises information such as heat maps (where autonomous transfer robots are stagnating), path maps (where automated transfer robots are travelling), and robot usage rates (activity analysis) based on travel results. FLOW iQ makes it easy to troubleshoot complex fleets and supports continuous improvement.

Fleet simulation function

Simulate the workflow and travel volume of a fleet of autonomous transport robots (the ability to control multiple mobile robots as a swarm) in digital space without actually deploying the robots. Potential bottlenecks can be identified, implementation time can be shortened, and workflows can be optimised.

Integrated fleet control function for multiple models (MobilePlanner6)

Enables customers to easily build fleets that combine multiple sizes and payloads and improve manufacturing throughput by controlling them in an integrated manner.

New FLOW Core 2.1 Fleet Management Software is now available globally.