Mobile robots
Mobile robotics can be a real game changer in many projects. Mobile robots are powerful tools, which autonomy can take over from humans strenuous or dangerous tasks.
What is an autonomous mobile robot?
An autonomous mobile robot is a robot that can move around in an open or closed space. It does not remain stationary in one position. The autonomous mobile robot can map its environment and navigate on its own, without being controlled by an operator.
Autonomous mobile robots do not need any external relays to operate (such as beacons). Instead, they use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) technology, which enables them to build a map of their environment in real time, and do some self-localization. If needed, autonomous mobile robots can also be remotely operated.
Usually, an autonomous mobile robot is made up of:
- A chassis (with motors and controller)
- An embedded computer
- A battery
- Sensors (at least a LiDAR)
- Actuators
The sensors and actuators will change depending on the tasks the robot has to perform.
Types of sensors:
- Thermal sensor
- Panoramic camera
- Gas sensor
- Motion sensor
- Microphone
- Etc
Type of actuators:
- Robotic arm
- Screen
- Speakers
- Drone
- Etc
Mobile robots: missions and applications
In which situations can mobile robotics be a real advantage? We won't list the many tasks a robot can take over from humans, there are too many. We will list the one we are familiar with at Génération Robots. For example, for inspection tasks in hazardous environments, mobile robots are essential for ensuring safety and efficiency.
Missions where a robot can be essential, or mandatory:
- Nuclear dismantling
- Space exploration (rovers, sample collection, etc)
- Heavy equipment transport (construction sites, rescue missions, scientific missions, etc.)
- Transport of mail, medication, light equipment, within a single building, a complex or a district
- Robotised cowshed cleaning
- Surveillance and preventive maintenance of sensitive sites (SEVESO sites, airports, oil & gas)
- Etc
How to choose the right mobile robot for your project?
The environment and the terrain are both major considerations, as they cannot be easily changed.
Depending on the environment and the terrain on which the robot will drive, as well as its missions, the locomotion will be different:
- Mecanum wheels ➡ allows lateral movements, suitable for warehouses and indoor navigation (Clearpath Robotics' Dingo robot type)
- All-terrain wheels ➡ for outdoor navigation, suitable for exploration missions, agriculture, etc (RR100 robot type from Generation Robots)
- Tracked ➡ outdoor navigation, on uneven terrain (potholes, small ditches, rocks, steps, etc) (Bunker Pro robot type)
- 4 legs ➡ allows robots to move on stairs or rocks (Spot robot type). Some hybrid models, such as the B2 from Unitree Robotics, have wheels at the end of their legs.
You will also need to consider the following features:
- The payload (does the robot need to carry heavy equipment?)
- Autonomy (an important factor in surveillance and security missions)
- Agility (speed and turning radius)
- The budget allocated to the project
Other factors, such as the possibility to quickly add extra addons, can also be important. Agilex mobile robots are equipped with rails that allow for quick customization.
Finally, ROS/ROS 2 compatibility is often a major factor in the choice of a mobile base, especially for research and R&D centers. All our mobile robots are ROS compatible.
The X30 from Deep Robotics embodies technological excellence in quadruped robotics. It is a key solution for industries requiring autonomous, safe, and reliable inspections in extreme or complex environments.
The Warthog Tracked is a tracked ground drone designed to operate autonomously in the most challenging terrains thanks to its rugged structure and ROS compatibility.
The Warthog ROS mobile robot is an amphibious unmanned ground vehicle of impressive dimensions and with a corresponding payload capacity. Not only that, but it moves quickly too!
Discover the Vitirover Academic, an ecological robot made in France, ideal for higher education and research. Powered by solar panels and with four drive wheels, it's perfect for complex terrain. Programme it easily via web, Python or ROS interfaces and add sensors for your projects.
UMR (Joint Research Unit) is an advanced and versatile robotic platform. With its innovative design, integrated NAVIS navigation system, and independent hub motors, UMR adapts to various applications and excels in challenging environments.
The TurtleBot 4's mobile robot is built on top of the iRobot® Create® 3 educational robot that provides an IMU, optical ground tracking sensor, and wheel encoders for precise positioning and location. TB4 comes in two models: TurtleBot 4 Standard and TurtleBot 4 Lite
The TurtleBot 4's mobile robot is built on top of the iRobot® Create® 3 educational robot that provides an IMU, optical ground tracking sensor, and wheel encoders for precise positioning and location.
Remember the TurtleBot3 Waffle, the advanced robotics platform with the distinctive shape? Meet the TurtleBot3 Waffle Pi, a brand new mobile robot featuring a Raspberry Pi 3 and a compatible camera module!
Do you need to make an addition to your TurtleBot3? You’ll never get caught out with the IPL-01 plate for TurtleBot Waffle!
The Turtlebot3 Burger is a mobile robotics educational platform that’s lightweight, compact, cost-effective and customisable at will. It’s the perfect solution for all those looking for a fun medium to use in their robotics programming workshops, but also for apprentice robotics engineers, and for creators and designers.
The TEC800 mobile robot is a tracked, remote-controlled UGV unit. It’s a powerful and customisable platform, ideal for research and R&D centres wanting to work on robotics applications.
Your TurtleBot3 deserves robust and long-lasting wheels: the TB3 Wheel/Tire Set-ISW-01 is the perfect fit for your Dynamixel servos!
This set of 12 IBB-01 supports for TurtleBot Waffle will allow you to connect various devices to upgrade your mobile robotics platform!
The SWD® Starter Kit is a development kit for AGVs (automated guided vehicles), AGCs (automated guided carts) and AMRs (autonomous mobile robots). You can use it to rapidly begin developing your own mobile robot compatible with the ez-Wheel SWD® Safety Wheel Drive technology.
The SWD® 125 drive wheel, safe for AGV/AMR, offers exclusive features, compatibility with safety scanners, and supports up to 250 kg with SIL2/PLd safety level.
Spot is designed not only for research and teaching but also for developing industrial and service robotics applications, and will quickly become your faithful corporate companion, always ready to work!
The Spot Inspection package provides reliable real-time data to automate all your inspection missions.
Spot Public Safety protects individuals and assess dangerous situations, all while ensuring safety.
While it’s true that there are already lots of ways to charge your Spot mobile robot, this charging station could well revolutionise the way you use your Boston Dynamics platform – and push the boundaries of your research and development work!
The Spot Charger case contains all the accessories you need to power your mobile four-legged Spot robot.
Discover the Spot Academia & Innovation kit, a flexible platform for research, teaching, and the development of new applications.
The agile, perceptive and highly observant SMART robot is an intelligent mobile platform and an expert in navigating hostile environments. It avoids all obstacles while mapping its environment in real time.
The Scout Mini autonomous mobile base is fast, agile, compact and ROS-compatible. It opens the way for AgileX platforms, a new generation of high-performance UGVs. A robot that can be adapted to many missions as long as you roll up your hacker sleeves. This mobile robot is CE certified.
For controlling your Spot robot remotely, from wherever you are!