autonomous mobile robots

The Devil Ray, an unmanned robotic boat, is being highlighted for its potential to launch and deploy an entire fleet of drones at sea. The concept points to a shift in naval warfare, where autonomous surface vessels could act as mobile launch platforms for swarms of aerial drones, extending reach without risking crews. Details about the craft's specifications and developer have not been widely reported.

A new American National Standards Institute standard, ANSI/A3 R15.08-2-2023, has been published covering the integration of industrial mobile robots. The standard, part of the R15.08 series developed with A3, addresses safety requirements for integrating autonomous and automated mobile robots into industrial workplaces, giving manufacturers and integrators a reference framework as mobile robot adoption expands across factories and warehouses.

A large warehouse depot will take delivery of thirty autonomous mobile robots next spring. The robots will carry totes between pick faces and packing benches, working alongside roughly 120 people during busy shifts. A trial with six robots ran last winter, and the deployment follows its results.

A new R15.08 Part 3 safety standard for industrial mobile robot users has been published. The standard, developed under the R15.08 series covering autonomous mobile robots, provides safety guidance specifically aimed at end users of industrial mobile robots, complementing earlier parts that addressed manufacturers and integration requirements.