Automation with the robotics ecosystem

In an era of advanced technologies that are setting the rules of the game for commercial success, Idealworks, with the support of BMW, Agile Robots and other partners, offers an innovative robotics ecosystem for industrial automation.

Fleet automation with AnyFleet

This consists of the intelligent automation platform AnyFleet and other compatible, independent components. AnyFleet enables the multi-integration of mobile robots via the standardized VDA5050 interface. The modular robotics operating system iw.os enables mobile robots to operate autonomously and integrates them directly into AnyFleet.

The core of the ecosystem concept is the interoperability of mobile robots in order to centrally manage homogeneous and heterogeneous fleets. AnyFleet networks with IoT devices such as doors, sensors, stations and traffic lights as well as with ERP and warehouse management systems. The highly flexible, cloud-based software offers end-to-end order control, fleet and traffic management, handles complex situations, can be implemented quickly and adapts to the specific requirements of different companies. Seamless integration into existing operations maximizes overall efficiency and leads to significant cost savings.

Several cooperations

Alliances with robotics companies such as Sherpa Mobile Robotics, Melkus Mechatronic and Bär Automation bundle expertise, while Idealworks also strengthens its position in the field of industrial automation and offers a broad portfolio of solutions. "With the integration into AnyFleet, we can continue to focus on our core competencies in hardware development, while Idealworks contributes its strengths in software development," says Patryk Hoffman, CEO of Melkus Mechatronic, for example.

Successful projects at renowned companies such as BMW Manufacturing, Toyota North America, Zalando, BHS Corrugated, Dräxlmaier, Geis, Purem by Eberspächer and BMW Group underline the efficiency of the robotics ecosystem. The cooperation with the BMW Group is not only a testament to our shared history, but also sets new standards in the automotive industry. With over 700 iw.hub mobile robots (AMR) in operation, the BMW Group is the largest customer of Idealworks, which has already established its robotics ecosystem in seven countries in the automotive sector alone.

Autonomous powerhouse iw.hub

CE-certified and equipped with SLAM technology as well as industry-proven hardware and software, the autonomous mobile robot iw.hub maneuvers safely and independently in mixed traffic and can avoid obstacles, avoid people and autonomously calculate alternative routes. At a speed of 2.2 m/s, it is not only one of the fastest on the market, but can also handle demanding transportation tasks in highly complex environments with a load capacity of up to one ton. Thanks to its pallet dock solution, it can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of applications.

No adjustments to the existing infrastructure are required to implement the entire system - neither markings nor magnets or QR codes. All that is needed is a power socket and a WLAN connection. Milan Nedeljkovic, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, says: "With the iw.hub, Idealworks offers a unique logistics innovation that has met with a great response and demand within the BMW Group and from customers worldwide."

Perfection through simulation

Idealworks' robotics ecosystem goes beyond the realm of physical automation and also sets new standards in the virtual world of simulation. The automation of real processes is an integral part, while virtual environments are used to optimize a variety of customer use cases and train artificial intelligence in a protected space. As a digital arena, simulation offers the opportunity to perfect autonomous robot routes and test scenarios before they are transferred to physical reality. As a central element of the robotics ecosystem, Idealworks' simulation technology is specifically geared towards the requirements of industrial automation and logistics robotics. In addition, the method serves as a preventive tool for predicting possible malfunctions, resulting in minimized downtime and increased overall robot availability.

The digital twin, which is a digital replica of a specific space, plays a crucial role here. The creation of the digital twin of a customer location enables the simulation of all scenarios, which not only evaluates the efficiency of logistics, but also serves as the key to the systematic identification of optimization potential and the comprehensive preparation and planning of precise automation solutions.

Emulation of robotic systems and physical sensors

Scenarios that can occur in real or digital environments are described using a scenario definition language and implemented in the simulation as emulated, precisely replicated use cases. An important function is to fully emulate robotic systems and physical sensors, which enables the simulation of real hardware in virtual space. This allows various situations to be simulated, including the interaction of the iw.hub, other robots and their environment.

Idealworks uses simulation for internal testing to verify AnyFleet's connection to physical and simulated iw.hubs, partner device testing, customer hardware onboarding, quality control and software validation. Key components such as sensor and iw.os stack emulation ensure precise robot behavior in the simulation, in sync with the real world. Another advance is the use of 3D geometry to generate synthetic data for AI models, making complex scenarios such as obstacle avoidance faster, less risky and more efficient.

The intensive use of simulation technology enables Idealworks to present innovations in a realistic way - as will be the case at LogiMat 2024 in Stuttgart. The focus is not only on technologies, but also on practical applications and tangible benefits for the logistics value chain.