BlueBotics to Demonstrate Mobile Robot Interoperability at ProMat 2023

As fleets of mobile robots grow in factories and warehouses, so does the need for interoperability among systems from multiple vendors in a shared environment. BlueBotics today announced that it will show at ProMat 2023 how its navigation software “will open new possibilities for advanced fleet management and interoperability.”

In addition, Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics, will host an educational seminar to help customers build the business case for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

St-Sulpice, Switzerland-based BlueBotics said it has more than 20 years of industry experience. The company provides its autonomous navigation technology (ANT) and support to help customers bring AGVs, AMRs, or automated forklifts to market.

Interoperability is now available, says BlueBotics

The ability to operate different mobile robot brands as a single fleet is an area of increasing interest, with standards efforts and an increasing number of software vendors addressing the issue.

At ProMat in Chicago, BlueBotics said its team will show how this dream has been realized by vehicles using its ANT natural-feature navigation. The live, multi-brand fleet demonstration will take take place at Booth N6715.

It will show how different brands and types of automated vehicles can interoperate when controlled by BlueBotics' server mission and fleet management software. The demo will run continuously during the show and is set to feature systems from BlueBotics partners including Bastian Solutions, Kivnon, and Cleanfix.

ANT drives multiple mobile robots

All vehicles in the interoperable fleet demonstration will use ANT, said BlueBotics. It claimed that the technology is accurate and robust, requires minimal infrastructure changes, and enables vehicles to be installed quickly and easily.

“ANT-driven vehicles are able to interact seamlessly with on-site equipment and business software,” the company said. The ProMat exhibit will also show how the ANT server management software can run multi-brand fleets, regardless of the the brand or vehicle type, it said.

BlueBotics, whose U.S. office is in Garner, N.C., said more than 4,000 ANT-driven vehicles are in operation worldwide.

CEO to explain how to build a business case

BlueBotics will lead a seminar titled “Building the Business Case for Mobile Robotics in Logistics & Manufacturing” on March 22 at 3.45 p.m. CT in Theater A at McCormick Place. Experts from Bastian Solutions and Oceaneering Mobile Robotics will join Dr. Tomatis to discuss the key considerations when looking to invest in AGVs.

The educational session will cover everything from high-level business argumentation and the common drivers of AGV/AMR adoption to how to go about building an organization-specific business case for mobile robotics, said BlueBotics. It will also discuss the different factors involved in evaluating such an investment.

“At a time when hiring and retaining workers is an ongoing challenge, and businesses are facing more pressure than ever to optimize productivity and remain competitive, automation with AGVs and AMRs can add resilience and build a strong base for growth,” stated Tomatis.

“However, it remains crucial to build a sound business case for this investment,” he added. “In this exclusive seminar, our partners from Bastian Solutions and Oceaneering will employ what they have learned over several decades working in mobile robotics to help decision-makers accurately analyze and calculate the potential benefits of AGV/AMR adoption.”

ZAPI GROUP to share stand 

The BlueBotics booth will also feature a selection of high-performance components by ZAPI GROUP, a global leader in motion control and battery charging for electric and hybrid drive systems. ZAPI acquired BlueBotics last year. 

ProMat will be from March 20 to 23. BlueBotics said will have experts at it booth to answer any questions that visitors may have about AGVs, AMRs, and the ANT technology that drives them.

Editor's note: See Robotics 24/7's ongoing coverage of ProMat at our special coverage page.