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 RB-WATCHER XL is an autonomous mobile robot designed for inspection and surveillance missions in outdoor environments. It focuses on all-terrain mobility, robustness, and extended autonomy for regular on-site operations.
The RB-WATCHER is an autonomous mobile robot designed to carry out inspection and patrolling missions in indoor and outdoor environments. It combines vision, thermal, and navigation sensors to detect anomalies and monitor critical assets.
The RB-ROBOUT+ is a collaborative mobile manipulator designed to automate manipulation tasks indoors, combining an Universal Robots arm with an omnidirectional base suitable for confined spaces.
The RB-ROBOUT is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) designed for indoor transport of heavy loads, up to 2 tonnes, in industrial environments such as factories and warehouses.
The RB-KAIROS is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) designed for indoor logistics and transport applications, with a payload of up to 250 kg, omnidirectional kinematics and a ROS 2-based architecture.
The RB-FIQUS is an outdoor mobile robot designed for transporting and handling heavy loads, featuring a modular architecture, omnidirectional kinematics and a controller based on ROS 2.
The RB-THERON+ is a mobile manipulator robot designed for R&D and manipulation operations in indoor environments, suitable for laboratories, universities, industrial sites and logistics areas where space is limited.
The RB-SUMMIT+ is an autonomous mobile manipulator designed for R&D use in laboratories, research centres and academic environments, for both indoor and outdoor operation. Open and modular ROS 2 architecture.
This Bunker Mini 2.0 pack with ROS 2 R&D kit is ready to use and lets you quickly start your autonomous navigation and SLAM projects.
This ready-to-use pack combines the AgileX Scout Mini UGV and the GR Lab ROS 2 R&D Kit, allowing you to start without any integration phase and move straight to development.
This turnkey pack combines the AgileX Ranger Mini 3.0 UGV and the GR Lab ROS 2 R&D Kit so you can start with zero integration. Go straight to development.
An ideal solution to give your Leo Rover smooth, omnidirectional mobility for your research projects, tests, or demonstrations.
A simple and effective solution to expand your Leo Rover's mounting options while maintaining a stable and functional structure.
This universal camera mast is the ideal solution for filming your experiments, missions, or demonstrations with an optimal viewing angle and easy setup.
This battery is ideal for extending the Leo Rover's runtime during long experimentation sessions, tests, or field demonstrations.
The Powerbox module for Leo Rover adds 12V and 5V outputs, an external battery socket, and allows battery charging or replacement without stopping the robot. Ideal for connecting sensors, embedded computers, and robotic arms.
The Bunker Pro 2.0 by AgileX Robotics is a rugged, all-terrain tracked robotic chassis designed for the development of specialized robotic applications. It provides a reliable mobile platform for research, inspection, exploration, or operations in challenging terrain.
The Mobile AI is the ideal solution for robotics AI projects requiring maximum flexibility, advanced manipulation, and a ready-to-use mobile station.
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 LYNX M20 Pro is a wheel-legged quadruped robotic platform that combines computing power, industrial robustness, and extreme mobility. It is designed for demanding environments and advanced research missions.
The Apollo 2.0 indoor mobile robot from Slamtec is a medium-sized autonomous platform designed for advanced robotic applications such as autonomous navigation, multi-floor delivery, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and multi-robot coordination.
The Tracer 2.0 is a two-wheel differential robotic base designed for advanced research environments and industrial applications. It combines speed, power, endurance, and openness for development to meet the needs of researchers and engineers.
The X30 Pro 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 Lite 3 is an advanced quadruped robot designed to combine power, agility, and flexibility, with a modular structure suitable for advanced robotics developments.